Dual citizen traveling from Canada to Pakistan and back

[indusmania]

Hi all, I am a dual citizen. I have valid Canadian passport and a valid Pakistani passport. I am confused about which passport should I use to travel?

I am planning a trip to Pakistan. I will be keeping both Canadian and Pakistani passports with me when I travel.

When flying out from Canada to Pakistan I show airline both passports as a proof that I can travel to Pakistan and return to Canada.

When I reach Pakistani airport, I show my Pakistani passport to get entry stamp and enter Pakistan.

When departing Pakistan to fly back to Canada, I show them Pakistan passport and get exit stamp on Pakistani passport, and also show them my Canadian passport as a proof that I can travel back to Canada.

When I reach Canada airport, I show my Canadian passport and enter Canada.

Is this the proper or legal way?

Please someone guide. Thanks.

 

[tenacioustopanga]

As far as I know, I don't think you can switch passports like that at will. If Canadian citizens require a visa to visit Pakistan, then in my understanding you will need to get that visa to travel and return on Canadian passport.

 

[EstherBarros]

As far as I know, I don't think you can switch passports like that at will. If Canadian citizens require a visa to visit Pakistan, then in my understanding you will need to get that visa to travel and return on Canadian passport.

That is absolutely not correct.

It seems to me OP is correct in their understanding of how to use the passports. You're going to have both passports, so I am sure airline operators/workers will be kind enough to advise which document they need to see.

 

[Seym]

My understanding is that you should, in both countries, show the airline the passport that allows you to go where you want to go, and the immigration customs the passport that allows you to be where you are. Pretty much what OP is describing here.

In all cases, while not sure what's "advised" to do in this situation, it's absolutely legal to travel using 2 passports. Lots of dual citizens use both, especially when they travel between their 2 countries of citizenship.

 

[foodie69]

I have 3 passports and use them according to where I travel to and from. No issues.

 

[JPBless]

As far as I know, I don't think you can switch passports like that at will. If Canadian citizens require a visa to visit Pakistan, then in my understanding you will need to get that visa to travel and return on Canadian passport.

Totally incorrect

As dual citizen (Pakistan and Canada) Pakistani passport gives the man full citizenship privileges to enter and leave Pakistan. In fact, for entry into Pakistan, Canadian passport is useless to the man, just as for entry into Canada Pakistani passport is useless to the man. But the man needs the Canadian passport as proof for the airline (and Pakistani exit control) that he is authorized to enter Canada

 

[keesio]

The OP is basically correct. When I enter the USA, I need to use my US passport. When I enter Canada, I should use my Canadian passport (I actually just use my NEXUS card but my Canadian passport info is associated with my NEXUS card).

 

[Buletruck]

The only issue would be if you ran into issues in Pakistan, you might not able to access Canadian consular services if you enter on the Pakistan passport.

 

[punk]

Why don't you make a NICOP card ?

 

[YWG3]

As far as I know, I don't think you can switch passports like that at will. If Canadian citizens require a visa to visit Pakistan, then in my understanding you will need to get that visa to travel and return on Canadian passport.

This is incorrect view

 

[Will_PA]

The only issue would be if you ran into issues in Pakistan, you might not able to access Canadian consular services if you enter on the Pakistan passport.

Even if they enter on the Canadian passport, as they're also a Pakistani citizen Canada embassy won't help anyway. Think this is what you meant, just pointing out choosing which passport you show doesn't take away the citizenship of the second country.

 

[Joshua1]

Even if they enter on the Canadian passport, as they're also a Pakistani citizen Canada embassy won't help anyway. Think this is what you meant, just pointing out choosing which passport you show doesn't take away the citizenship of the second country.

It depends on the local laws and the issue at hand.
In some emergencies like natural disasters Canadian embassies will help (in most countries) get dual Canadian citizens out. I have seen it firsthand in couple overseas missions.

 

[Seym]

It depends on the local laws and the issue at hand.
In some emergencies like natural disasters Canadian embassies will help (in most countries) get dual Canadian citizens out. I have seen it firsthand in couple overseas missions.

But that help would also apply to citizens that entered the other country using the other passport.

 

[Joshua1]

But that help would also apply to citizens that entered the other country using the other passport.

I’m not sure what you’re saying, but what I meant was that no matter what passport they used to enter the country, once they contact a Canadian embassy for help in a time of crisis, they (the embassy) would help depending on local laws. Sometimes, if they don’t have a diplomatic mission on the country or they don’t have enough local capacity, they would provide help through key allies like Great Britain, even the US embassies.

 

[Seym]

Oh we agree on this, thought you meant there would be a distinction depending on the passport used on the other country of citizenship. Sorry.