Dual Nationality

I am a Canadian, but I am also a citizen of another country. What special problems should I be aware of, if I visit the country of my second citizenship?

Q: I am a Canadian, but I am also a citizen of another country. What special problems should I be aware of, if I visit the country of my second citizenship?

A: Having another nationality is legal in Canada, but it may not be legal in the country of your second citizenship. Contact the appropriate foreign government office in Canada.

Also, you may have outstanding obligations such as military service or taxes in your country of second citizenship. You should research this before leaving Canada.

When travelling abroad, you should always travel as a Canadian citizen and use your Canadian passport. Not doing so may put serious limitations on our ability to assist you if you encounter difficulties. Also, your Canadian passport guarantees your easy re-entry into Canada.

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada.

Note: People whose parents hold citizenship of another country and people who were born abroad should check on their citizenship status in the country they are going to prior to departure. Contact the foreign government office in Canada to determine your status.

If you were born in Canada, you are probably a Canadian citizen. If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, you may also be a Canadian citizen. You may not have obtained your citizenship automatically. To determine if you are a Canadian, you may apply for proof of Canadian citizenship. Since February 15th, 1977, Canadians can remain or become a citizen of another country and still be recognized as a Canadian citizen. Additional details are available on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site.

See Birth Registration and Canadian Citizenship for further information.

Also, consult the Department's publication Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know.