Leaving a foreign country

A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.

Re-entering Canada

Returning to Canada means a stop at a Canada Border Services Agency check-point. Be sure to declare everything acquired abroad, whether purchases for yourself or gifts, as well as goods bought at a Canadian or foreign duty-free store. Keep original receipts. The booklet I Declare describes what you can and cannot bring back to Canada if you have been away for less than a year.

If you are planning to bring gifts or other consumer products back to Canada, make sure that they comply with Canadian regulations. For more information, please consult Health Canada’s Information for Canadians Travelling Outside of Canada.

For information on importing food, plants, animals and related items, consult the Be Aware and Declare! website.

To learn about vehicle imports, consult Transport Canada's Vehicle Importation page.

To find out about restrictions on bringing home cultural property, contact Canadian Heritage.

Permanent residents

Permanent residents (immigrants living in Canada who are not yet Canadian citizens) need a valid permanent resident card to return to Canada. Check the expiry date on your card.

Note that a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. See our Canadian Citizenship FAQ for further details.

Related links

• Passports  
• Pre-boarding Information