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Can I fly in 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.



Yes, you can fly within Canada without a passport if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, but you must provide valid government-issued photo identification. In 2026, the most common documents used for domestic travel are a Canadian provincial driver's license, a provincial health card (with photo), or a permanent resident card. If you do not have a piece of photo ID, you must present two pieces of non-photo government-issued ID, at least one of which must show your full name and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or a citizenship card). It is important to remember that the name on your ID must match the name on your boarding pass exactly. If you are a foreign national flying domestically within Canada, you are generally expected to use your passport as your primary ID, though a NEXUS card is also widely accepted. Note that this "no passport" rule only applies to domestic flights; if your flight has a connection in the United States or is traveling to an international destination, a valid passport is mandatory for all passengers.

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To take a domestic flight in Canada, you should have: a valid passport (or Embassy issued Emergency Travel Document) or. a valid piece of Canadian government-issued photo identification that shows the holder's name, date of birth and gender (e.g. Canadian permanent-resident card, Canadian driver's license).

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A government-issued photo ID, such as a state-issued ID card, is sufficient for domestic air travel. In other words, using your passport as a government-issued photo ID is possible but not mandatory. Your state-issued driver's license, for instance, is sufficient to board your domestic flight.

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Canada requires proof of citizenship or resident status to enter the country under §§14(3) and 14(4) of the Passport and Travel Documents section of the Immigration Regulations of Canada (enclosed). A birth certificate is one form of proof.

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The most likely scenario is that you will be prevented from boarding transport by the staff on duty. If you managed to avoid that situation, you could be blocked from entering your destination by border authorities upon arrival. Generally, it is necessary to have a valid passport if you want to travel abroad.

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To board an airplane, all travelers must present a government-issued ID. A foreign passport meets that requirement. Of course, if immigration officials review your documents you could be detained.

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You may book a flight before having your passport in hand. Please just make sure that you make your booking the same name/spelling as it will be on your passport. *For security reasons, you will be refused to board your flight if the ticket and the passport name/spelling are not the same.

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Yes, you can book and pay for the flight. However, you'll need a valid passport in order to check-in, so be sure to leave enough time to receive your new passport. If you don't get your passport in time, you'll lose any money you've paid for your ticket that isn't refundable or lost to change fees.

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Here are some examples of acceptable Canadian government-issued identification documents: passport. citizenship card. Canadian permanent resident card.

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If you have your expired passport you could use that, along with other ID that identifies you as a Canadian, like a birth certificate, SIN card. By Air - you need a passport. Best to contact CBSA directly for official info.

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2. What to pack in a carry on for an international flight
  1. All travel documents (passport, visa, etc.) ...
  2. Small toiletries that you'll need for a long haul—think toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant at least.
  3. Any medications needed abroad, stored in their original containers.


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