Identity documents in Canada (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Foreign nationals entering as temporary residents must hold a valid passport or listed travel document and produce the documents an officer reasonably requires. Visa-exempt British citizens arriving by air also need an eTA, unless exempt.

RuleWhat applies
Duty to carry or show IDIdentity documents⚠ Not yet verified
National ID card compulsory for citizensIdentity documents⚠ Not yet verified
ID duty for foreign visitorsIdentity documentsA person who makes an application must produce a visa and all relevant evidence and documents that the officer reasonably requires. A foreign national seeking to enter as a temporary resident must establish that they hold the visa or other document required under the regulations. [1]
EU citizens may enter with a national ID cardIdentity documents⚠ Not yet verified
Document for British citizensIdentity documentsBritish citizens, as foreign nationals seeking to become temporary residents, must hold a valid passport issued by their country of citizenship. Visa-exempt foreign nationals arriving by air must also obtain an electronic travel authorisation (eTA), unless exempt. [2]

Notes

  • Provincial laws on carrying a driver's licence or identifying to police differ and were not checked here.

Sources

  1. Government of Canada, Department of Justice (Justice Laws Website): Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (S.C. 2001, c. 27), section 16 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Government of Canada, Department of Justice (Justice Laws Website): Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2002-227), sections 7.1 and 52 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.