Novocastrian

Thank you to the "OP" for her far from "stupid" question.

We're in the same position, but dual UK-Canada citizens now living in Europe. I now know that we'll need to keep the Canadian PP valid under the new rules, which I didn't know before reading this thread.

Alfresco

I always ensure I have valid passports for the countries I wish to remain citizens of.

It is pointless not having one if you need to fly there at a moments notice e.g. a death etc...

Just my 2 cents.

BritInParis

It can be done but the airline needs to request permission from DIBP to 'uplift' the individual at check-in. Canada would need to have a similar 24/7 operations centre that an airline can call for the same to be true.

Pollyana

Thanks.
i know the people who have done it have been warned to expect check in delays, as well as delays when they get in to Aus, and some have had to wait an hour or so for clearance but then they've been allowed to fly.
They are people who have literally only had a couple of days after getting citizenship though, and the travel has always been unexpected.

Dorothy

A passport doesn't change the fact that you're a citizen so I'm not sure what you mean by ensuring you have a valid passport for the countries you wish to remain a citizen of. If I need to fly there at a moment's notice then I get on a plane and fly there. If I can't get on a plane to Toronto then I can get on a plane to Buffalo and drive across the border where I can speak to a Canadian border guard and show them my proof of Canadian citizenship.

Pollyana

Thats ok when you can drive across the border! Not so easy with Australia and the Uk though.
I can see what Alfresco means, I have current UK and Aus passports as it just makes life easier when travelling. I don't wnat the hassle of standing waiting at check in to be approved, and the last thing I want after flying across the world is to be held up at immigration while they verify my right to enter.

FlyingDutchman6666

I wonder if the Liberal guvermint are planning to tinker with ETA? Since it's mostly a Conservative invention?

I'm hearing 'chatter' that the Liberals want to repeal those sections of the new citizenship law that they don't like. Mostly citizenship removal provisions.

PB65

Well thats an inventive way to get into Canada with just an expired passport and a birth certificate fly to the US on an Australian passport with an ESTA duly approved. But then you wouldnt need to bother showing the birth certificate or expired Canadian passport as you enter Canada by land just need the valid Australian passport and enter as a tourist. Always a way around just seems easier to have a new Canadian passport and fly direct but whatever anyone feels comfortable with and is the least hassle as far as they are concerned. Think we have all done this thread to death but at least has cleared up some things on the ETA and dual citizens as well as the inventive alternative. Good luck to the OP whichever way they choose and safe travels in May

BritInParis

Failing to hold a valid passport doesn't stop you being a citizen of a country (well, unless you're Dutch) but the onus is still on you to provide conclusive evidence that of you are a citizen of the country you are claiming to be when moving between countries. Your particular set of circumstances may currently allow to do this without one but a valid passport is the universally acceptable way to do this.

JamesM

Former Lancastrian is really the man here.

You should PM him Dorothy!

Alfresco

Indeed. I also wouldn't want to carry my other important docs around the world. They stay in a safe. If I lose a passport, I can get another one fairly easily. If I lose the other docs like birth certificates etc... then it is a real PITA to get replacements.

Former Lancastrian

This is currently what the CIC website says

I am a Canadian citizen and a citizen of a visa-exempt country. Can I still fly to Canada with my foreign passport?

Yes, you can for now. However, soon you will need to show proof that you are a Canadian citizen in order to board your flight to Canada. This information will be requested when you check in for your flight.

To avoid getting stuck at the airport, be sure to travel with a valid Canadian passport. It provides proof that you are a citizen and have a right to enter Canada. Otherwise you may face delays or be prevented from boarding your flight to Canada.

Learn more about how to renew or apply for a Canadian passport.

Please Note: Canadian citizens (including dual citizens) cannot apply for an eTA.

My answer is Have a valid Canadian passport for travel. To expect an Airline Agent to know all the nuances of what proves you are a Canadian citizen is somewhat simplistic unless you present them with a valid Canadian passport.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcen...sp?q=1167&t=16

Dorothy

Thanks once again everyone. I have downloaded the application for a new passport but holy crap they don't make it easy for people overseas. Oh well, if the boy wants to go to Canada then I guess I will have to suvk it up and get a new passport.

Gozit

Oops. I just posted my own thread asking the same question. I agree Dorothy, and for 2 people (my grandparents) the renewal cost is over $500. And yes they don't make it easy what with all the references and other crap you need... I wonder if you tried and applied for the eTA anyways what would happen? The worst it can say is "No", right? Then you have the eTA to get past airline check in and can show your normal docs like you did pre-eTA to the CBSA BSO in order to get into Canada.

Oh, keep in mind since your passport expired in 2010, you are not applying to "renew" it, you are making a fresh application for a "new passport" which is even more tedious than a renewal. Renewals are only eligible for Canadians whose passports are currently valid or expired no more than 1 year... Good luck with it.