If you hold dual citizenship with one visa-exempt passport (like the UK or Australia) and one visa-required passport (like India or Brazil), you should always apply for a $7 CAD Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) using your visa-exempt passport. This completely bypasses the expensive, time-consuming Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) process.
In our highly globalized world, holding multiple passports is incredibly common. For dual citizens, travelling internationally offers unique strategic advantages, especially when navigating Canadian immigration rules. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) divides the world into two main categories: countries whose citizens need a formal Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter, and countries whose citizens are visa-exempt and only require a quick Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly.
If you hold both a visa-exempt passport and a visa-required passport, you hold a powerful key to Canadian entry. You are not locked into the rules of your visa-required nationality. By strategically choosing which passport to present to the Canadian government, you can save yourself months of stressful paperwork and hundreds of dollars in processing fees. Whether you are coming to Vancouver for business or Toronto for a family visit, understanding the intersection of dual citizenship and Canadian aviation rules is vital. In this guide, updated for May 2026, we detail exactly how to manage your passports for a seamless arrival.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
When you arrive at any Canadian port of entry, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) treats you according to the specific passport you hand them. 🇨🇦 To ensure a smooth journey, you must consistently use your visa-exempt identity throughout the entire booking and travelling process.
Step 1: Identifying Your Passport Designations
First, verify the status of both your passports on the official IRCC website. 📍 For example, if you hold a British passport, you are visa-exempt. If your second passport is from South Africa, you are visa-required. Your goal is to completely utilize the privileges of the British passport for your Canadian journey.
Step 2: Selecting the Visa-Exempt Passport for the eTA
When you go online to apply for travel authorization, select your visa-exempt citizenship. Fill out the eTA application using the exact passport number, full name, and expiry date printed on that specific passport. Do not mix details from your two different passports, as this will cause severe system errors.
Step 3: Booking Your Airline Tickets
This is where many dual citizens make a critical error. You must book your airline ticket using the exact name and details as they appear on your visa-exempt passport. 📝 When you arrive at the airport, the airline check-in system will digitally scan that passport and automatically ping the IRCC database to confirm your approved eTA. If the names or numbers do not match perfectly, you will be denied boarding.
Step 4: Carrying Both Passports (Optional but Recommended)
While you only need your visa-exempt passport to enter Canada, it is often wise to carry your second passport in your travel bag. If your flight connects through a country where your other passport offers better visa-free transit, having both documents provides flexibility. However, when dealing with Canadian officials, only present the passport linked to your eTA.
Step 5: Arriving at the Canadian Border
When you land in Canada and approach the Primary Inspection Kiosk or a CBSA officer, you simply present your visa-exempt passport. 👮 The officer will see your approved eTA in their system. They may ask basic questions regarding your length of stay and your funds. Because you used your visa-exempt status, you bypass the heavy scrutiny often applied to TRV holders.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Choosing the eTA route over the TRV route is a massive financial relief for dual citizens. Here is a comparison of the typical costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD):
- Visa-Exempt Route (eTA): You only pay a strict $7 CAD processing fee online. There are no biometrics required.
- Visa-Required Route (TRV): If you mistakenly applied using your visa-required passport, you would pay a $100 CAD visa fee, plus an $85 CAD biometrics fee.
- Courier/Visa Centre Fees: TRV applicants often pay an additional $30 to $50 CAD to submit their physical passports to a Visa Application Centre (VAC) abroad. eTA applicants avoid this entirely.
| Travel Feature | Using Visa-Exempt Passport | Using Visa-Required Passport |
| Required Document | eTA | Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) |
| Application Cost | $7 CAD | $185 CAD (includes biometrics) |
| Need to Mail Passport? | No | Yes, for visa stamping |
| Validity Period | Up to 5 years | Up to 10 years (or passport expiry) |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The time savings are even more significant than the financial savings. ⏲ An eTA application submitted with a visa-exempt passport is generally approved within 5 to 15 minutes via an automated system. In stark contrast, applying for a standard TRV using a visa-required passport currently takes anywhere from 30 days to several months, depending on the backlog at the Canadian visa office in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I am a dual citizen of Canada and another country?
Canadian citizens cannot apply for an eTA or a TRV. If you are a dual Canadian citizen, you are legally required to enter the country using a valid Canadian passport, regardless of the privileges of your second nationality.
Do I need to declare my second citizenship on the eTA application?
Yes. The eTA application explicitly asks if you hold any other nationalities. You must truthfully list your second citizenship. Disclosing a visa-required citizenship will not negatively affect your eTA approval if you apply using your visa-exempt passport.
Can I switch passports if my eTA is refused?
If your eTA is refused on your visa-exempt passport due to criminal inadmissibility or security concerns, simply applying for a TRV with your other passport will not work. IRCC uses biometric and biographical data to track individuals across all their identities.
What if both of my passports are visa-exempt?
If you hold two visa-exempt passports (for example, French and Australian), simply pick the one you prefer to travel with and apply for the eTA using that document. Just ensure you book your flights with the matching passport details.
Do US citizens with dual nationality need an eTA?
United States citizens are uniquely exempt from both TRVs and eTAs. If you hold dual US and UK citizenship, it is always best to travel with your US passport, as you do not need to apply or pay for an eTA at all.
Will CBSA question why I have two passports?
Holding dual citizenship is perfectly legal and common in Canada. CBSA officers generally do not care about your second passport, provided the passport you present to them is valid and electronically linked to an approved eTA.
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