Flying into Canada with an expired passport and a Green Card
I have a flight booked for Saturday that my parent booked for me, insisting that I will be able to get into Canada. I have my expired Canadian passport, and my original birth certificate, also I have my permanent resident card issued by America. I am wondering if I will even be allowed on a flight, Alaska Airlines, with an expired passport. I was told that I am Canadian so they can't not let me in, I'm just unsure if they will even let me on a flight, this would be a lot easier and hassle free if I was driving across the border but that is not the case.
Best Answer
TIMATIC thinks your Canadian passport cannot admit you because it's expired. "Passports and other documents accepted for entry issued to nationals of Canada must be valid on arrival." Whether you would actually be turned away is another matter, but a cautious airline would be unwise to board you in violation of the clear instruction there.
However, TIMATIC goes on to say under the 'Passport exemptions' category, that you should be admitted with your Green Card: "Permanent residents of USA holding Permanent Resident/Resident Alien Card (Form I-551), arriving from USA or St. Pierre and Miquelon."
Therefore in my view you are in principle entitled to travel and enter Canada merely with your Green Card (although certainly bring along the Canadian passport as well). If you face trouble, ask for the agent in question to confirm the information in TIMATIC, under the passport exemptions category.
Information as of 10JUL15 / 1416 UTC
National Canada (CA) /Residence USA (US)
Embarkation USA (US) /Destination Canada (CA)
Canada (CA)
Passport required.
- Passports and other documents accepted for entry issued to
nationals of Canada must be valid on arrival.
- Warning: if departing from the USA (regardless of any
destination passport exemptions), a valid passport and/or
is required by the
US immigration authorities.
Passport Exemptions:
- Holders of a valid on arrival NEXUS Card issued to nationals
of Canada, if residing in USA.
- Permanent residents of USA holding Permanent
Resident/Resident Alien Card (Form I-551), arriving from USA
or St. Pierre and Miquelon.
VISA NOT REQUIRED.
Minors:
- If a travel document issued by Canada to minors under 16
years of age displays "Signature Not Required/non requise"
- Parent(s) traveling with a child under 18 years are strongly
Canada (CA)
Vaccinations not required.
Warning:
- Any visitor irrespective of length of intended stay in
Canada may be referred for medical examination if deemed
necessary.
Pictures about "Flying into Canada with an expired passport and a Green Card"
Can I travel to Canada with a green card and expired passport?
Unfortunately, you can't travel to Canada by air with an expired passport. Here's why: Although U.S. green card holders don't need a visa to enter Canada, you do need an electronic travel authorization, or eTA, to enter by air.Can you enter Canada with a green card?
No visa is required to simply travel to Canada if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a green card. Generally, permanent residents are allowed to travel to Canada freely and remain for a 6-month stay. You can also apply for an extension if you want to stay longer.Can I enter Canada with an expired passport?
Answer: By law, U.S. citizens are required to exit and re-enter the United States with their U.S. passports. While you may enter Canada with your expired U.S. passport as proof of your citizenship, you need a passport book, card or any other WHTI-compliant document to re-enter the United States.Can US residents travel to Canada without a passport?
Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.Can a U.S. Permanent Resident Travel Internationally without a Valid Passport?
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Monstera, Karolina Grabowska, Batuhan Alper Bilginer, James Wheeler