Which passport to use when having dual citizenship?

Which Passport to Use with Dual Citizenship?

If you're a Canadian citizen holding dual nationality, you might wonder which passport to use when traveling — especially when returning home. The answer is clear: always use your Canadian passport to re-enter Canada by air.

It’s not just recommended — it’s required. Canadian law mandates that citizens must enter the country using their Canadian passport. No exceptions. Even if you hold another nationality and possess a second passport, only the Canadian passport serves as valid proof of citizenship for air travel. Airlines and border officials strictly enforce this rule, so showing up with only your foreign passport could mean being denied boarding or delayed at the border.

This rule applies regardless of where you’re coming from or which citizenship you’re using abroad. For example, if you’re traveling from France and also hold a French passport, you can use it to enter or exit Europe. But when it’s time to fly back to Canada, your Canadian passport must be the one presented to the airline and at Canadian immigration.

It’s a simple but crucial detail. Forgetting it can turn a smooth trip into a stressful experience. So before you leave, double-check that your Canadian passport is valid and packed. It’s not just a travel document — it’s your right to come home.

Rules like this are in place to ensure smooth, secure travel and to protect your status as a Canadian citizen. When in doubt, travel like a citizen: with your Canadian passport in hand.