Canadians: Why your CCC won't get you in

Got a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship? You'll still need a passport for foreign travel, otherwise
you may face unnecessary delays and hassles, or be turned away at the border. While many Canadians have a CCC as proof of citizenship in order to apply for jobs, get a passport or obtain other official documents, the certificate cannot be used as a travel document.

Here’s the proof: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has recently been updating its travel reports to include the following warning:

“A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.”

Translation: Get a passport or expect trouble.

While the CCC can’t be used as proof of citizenship for entry into the U.S., a birth certificate and driver’s license will still suffice at land and sea borders.

When in doubt, check the government advice to see what documentation you need.