If you are a Canadian citizen, a Canadian PR card holder, or even a visitor (tourist) in Canada, you will be required to present some documents before you can fly from Canada to any country in the world. This was put in place to prevent security breaches within the airports and the Canadian territory at large.
It is important to note that there are different requirements for people who are flying within Canada (domestic flights) and those who are flying from Canada to other countries (international flights). It is also important to note that each airline may also have its specific requirements before they can allow any passenger to board their plane, so you should take note of that as well.
Requirements for Domestic Flights Within Canada
To fly domestic flights in Canada, you are required to have the following documents in place and also meet the requirements listed below; If you are a Canadian and you have a Canadian identification, you are expected to show one of these documents at the boarding gate:
- One piece of photo identification issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government with your full name and date of birth or
- Two pieces of identification issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government. Both must have your name and at least one must have your full name and date of birth.
These are some examples of acceptable Canadian government-issued identification documents that you can present before boarding a plane from Canada:
- Passport
- Citizenship card
- Canadian permanent resident card
- Canadian provincial or territorial driver’s license
- Canadian provincial or territorial health card
- Canadian provincial or territorial government identification cards
- Birth certificate
- Record of Landing Form/Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292)
- Immigration documents issued to foreign nationals (e.g., Work Permit, Study Permit, Visitor Record, Temporary Resident Permit, Refugee Approved Status)
- Canadian military identification
- Federal police identification
- Federal or provincial government employee identification cards
- Old Age Security (OAS) identification card
- Certificate of Indian Status (Status Card) issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
- NEXUS card
- Firearms license (please note that you can no longer use hunting, boating, and fishing licenses as identification for domestic flights.)
Please note that in the event of loss or theft of identification documents, see subsection 3(2) of the Secure Air Travel Regulations for information on alternative identification requirements for domestic air travel. For those who don’t have Canadian identification, you can use any of the travel documents you used to enter Canada, such as:
- A passport
- NEXUS card
- The United States Permanent Resident card
- Enhanced Driver’s License
- Any document referred to in subsection 50(1) or 52(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
The Requirements for International Air Travel from Canada
To fly international flights from Canada, you are required to show one of these identifications at the boarding gate:
- One piece of valid identification issued by a government authority with your photo, full name, date of birth, and gender
- A passport issued by your country of citizenship or nationality or
- A NEXUS card or
- Any document referred to in subsection 50(1) or 52(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
For Canadian Citizens
You are required to always carry a valid Canadian passport when you travel outside Canada.
Here are the Identification Documents you should Carry When Traveling from Canada;
Canadian Passports
A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel identification document and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada
Canadian Travel Number
Avoid delays at the airport because your name is the same as, or similar to, that of someone on the No-Fly List (Secure Air Travel Act list)
NEXUS Card
For those traveling between Canada and the United States often, a NEXUS card will save you time at the border
Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)
Please note that all permanent residents of Canada need a permanent resident card to re-enter Canada
Pre-Boarding Identification Requirements
Information on the identification documents you need to bring to the airport
Travel Documents for Non-Canadians
Travel documents for convention refugees, protected persons, or stateless persons living in Canada
Permits and Certificates
Please note that to board some flights from Canada, you may be required to have some permits and certificates and this will depend on what and who you are flying with.
Visas
You would need to find out whether you would need a visa for your destination and get it well in advance of your trip
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Travel
You would need to find out how to get a Canadian proof of COVID-19 vaccination to travel by plane or train within or outside Canada
Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
Although a Canadian citizenship certificate is not a valid travel document, some airlines might require it from you hence you should have it with you when traveling from Canada to other countries.
CITES Permits
You would need the CITES permits if you will be traveling with wildlife species. Information on permits to transport, import, or export a listed wildlife species or items made from listed wildlife species.
International Driving Permit
Although your Canadian driver’s license may not be valid in your destination country, you must have it with you when traveling from Canada to other countries of the world.
International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis
Please note that some countries may require you to show proof of vaccination hence it is required that you have your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.
Pets Travel Documents
If you are traveling with your pets, it is important to note that your pets would need travel documents to enter another country. So, make sure you have such documents with you when traveling.
CANPASS – Private Aircraft
CANPASS cards allow private aircraft to clear customs and immigration quickly and securely.
Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad
A consent letter helps children traveling without both parents to enter foreign countries and re-enter Canada.
Travel Insurance
Please note that you are required to buy travel insurance before you travel outside Canada. You are required to bring your insurance information with you when traveling from Canada to other countries. This is important because you may need to prove you have travel insurance to enter some countries.
Missing Documents
Please note that in the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The immigration officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity.
If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down and screening of carry-on property. Please note that you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.
In Conclusion,
It is important to note that even though you meet the requirements to travel from Canada to other countries, it is important to state that it is the prerogative of the immigration officer at the port of entry to grant you access to their country.
Hence it is always advisable to cross-check your documents to be sure that you meet all the requirements as expected by the country you want to travel to and also you must abide by their rules and regulations when you arrive at the port of entry.
It is always advisable that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.
