When entering Canada, can Canadian citizens declare another nationality without mentioning their Canadian citizenship?

When entering Canada, can Canadian citizens declare another nationality without mentioning their Canadian citizenship? - Building facade against flags in winter city

On the plane, someone in the family near me couldn't find their Canadian passport. She left it in Vietnam, and forgot to bring it on the plane. She said they have dual citizenship of Vietnam. Family suggested she enters Canada customs with just their Vietnam passport. But don't say anything about Canadian passport or forgetting it!

My first question, are Canadians mandated to disclose their nationality when entering Canada?

Second, what happens if Canada customs officer finds out this Vietnamese didn't disclose? What's maximum fine, penalty?



Best Answer

Officially, the government wants you to use your Canadian passport:

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, cannot apply for an eTA to enter Canada. You will need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight to Canada.

And on another page:

Dual Canadian citizens can no longer travel to or transit through Canada by air with a non-Canadian passport. You need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight.

(That page also includes what to do if you don't have your Canadian passport and don't have time to get one before you travel.)

That said, I know a person whose Canadian passport had expired and who had a valid British passport. She applied for and got an ETA and entered as a British person without mentioning that she also was a Canadian citizen. I don't know what would have happened if immigration had become aware of her dual citizenship, and wouldn't recommend this action to anyone else.

Since everyone needs either a visitor visa or an ETA, I don't know how your plane mate got on the plane without their Canadian passport, and I don't know how they expected to be admitted.




Pictures about "When entering Canada, can Canadian citizens declare another nationality without mentioning their Canadian citizenship?"

When entering Canada, can Canadian citizens declare another nationality without mentioning their Canadian citizenship? - Old tower facade on hill under light sky
When entering Canada, can Canadian citizens declare another nationality without mentioning their Canadian citizenship? - Free stock photo of 1th, 1th july, adolescent
When entering Canada, can Canadian citizens declare another nationality without mentioning their Canadian citizenship? - Free stock photo of 1th, 1th july, adolescent



Can you have two nationalities in Canada?

Every country decides whom it considers to be a citizen. If more than one country recognizes you as a citizen, you have dual citizenship. You don't apply for dual citizenship, and there is no related certificate. Canadians are allowed to take foreign citizenship while keeping their Canadian citizenship.

Will I lose my citizenship from another country if I become a Canadian citizen?

Under Canadian law, you can be both a Canadian citizen and a citizen of another country. However, some countries won't let you keep their citizenship if you become a Canadian citizen. The consulate or embassy of your other country of citizenship can tell you whether this applies to you.

How can a Canadian lose his citizenship?

Losing Canadian Citizenship Naturalizing as a citizen in another country; Serving in the military of another country; Failing to reside in Canada for a specific period of time; Failing to affirm your citizenship after a certain time abroad.

Can you have 3 citizenships?

Yes, you may hold citizenship in three countries. The same rules apply as for dual citizenship \u2014 not every country allows for multiple citizenships, so you would need to check whether your country of origin permits triple citizenship.



''Should I Get Canadian Citizenship?''




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Erik Mclean, Erik Mclean, Anna Nekrashevich, Anna Nekrashevich