You can’t use Canadian unless you are a citizen the document is issued from Canads but this doesn’t automatically imply that you are citizen and is written clearly inside the bearer is NOT a Canadian Citizen.
RTD travel - Which nationality to select while booking a ticket
- Thread starter Starboyy
- Start date
You can’t use Canadian unless you are a citizen the document is issued from Canads but this doesn’t automatically imply that you are citizen and is written clearly inside the bearer is NOT a Canadian Citizen.
There is no xxx option for booking a ticket with air canada. It has to say canadian because your document RTD is CANADIAN.
I mean You can select your nationality when buying the ticket. But for immigration purposes the agent MUST do it manual when You check in. You Will see You can't do check in. Have to do it at the airport. It happen to me. That's the explanation I received and I shared.
I travelled like 5 times in the past month via air canada and ive checked in myself each time with no issues at all LOL
Why LOL ? It's My experience and the explanation I got from immigration Officer. It's not funny .
Bro chill i was talking about my experience and yes its funny.
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If you’re traveling with a Refugee Travel Document (RTD) and wondering what nationality to choose when booking a flight, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common and confusing questions among refugees and asylees. Let’s clear the confusion
1. What is an RTD (Refugee Travel Document)?
An RTD is a travel document issued to:
Refugees
Asylees
Stateless individuals
It acts as a passport substitute for international travel under the 1951 Geneva Convention or domestic asylum laws (like in the US, UK, or Canada).
2. The Problem: "Nationality" Confusion While Booking a Ticket
When booking flights online (e.g., through Expedia, Emirates, or Lufthansa), the form asks:
"Enter your nationality"
But if you have a Refugee Travel Document, do you select:
Answer: It depends.
3. Which Nationality Should You Select While Booking?
If you're traveling with an RTD issued by a Western country (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Germany):
Select your current nationality as per your RTD.
For example:
Do NOT select the nationality of the country you fled from — airlines and immigration may deny boarding or entry.
Pro Tip: Your "Nationality" is what your travel document says — not your birthplace.
4. Real-World Example
Scenario:
While booking your flight, choose: “Canada” as your nationality — because your travel document is issued by Canada.
5. What If the Airline System Doesn’t Accept It?
Sometimes booking platforms don’t list “Refugee” status or get confused when visa-free access is checked.
Call the airline directly and explain:
“I am traveling with a Refugee Travel Document issued by [Country].”
✈ They can manually enter or clarify travel eligibility.
6. Key Tips for RTD Travelers
Always carry supporting documents:
Check visa requirements:
RTD holders often need visas even for visa-free countries
Avoid layovers in countries where you might need a transit visa
Contact embassy or airline in advance if unsure
Final Thoughts: Travel with Confidence as an RTD Holder
Booking a flight with an RTD can be tricky—but it doesn't have to be.
Select the nationality that matches your current RTD
Don't rely on automated booking systems alone
When in doubt, talk to the airline or visit your government website
1. What is an RTD (Refugee Travel Document)?
An RTD is a travel document issued to:
Refugees
Asylees
Stateless individuals
It acts as a passport substitute for international travel under the 1951 Geneva Convention or domestic asylum laws (like in the US, UK, or Canada).
2. The Problem: "Nationality" Confusion While Booking a Ticket
When booking flights online (e.g., through Expedia, Emirates, or Lufthansa), the form asks:
"Enter your nationality"
But if you have a Refugee Travel Document, do you select:
- Your original country (which you fled)?
- Or the country that issued your RTD?
Answer: It depends.
3. Which Nationality Should You Select While Booking?
If you're traveling with an RTD issued by a Western country (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Germany):
Select your current nationality as per your RTD.
For example:
- If you're a refugee in Germany with an RTD: select “Germany”
- If you’re an asylee in the USA: select “USA”
Do NOT select the nationality of the country you fled from — airlines and immigration may deny boarding or entry.
Pro Tip: Your "Nationality" is what your travel document says — not your birthplace.
4. Real-World Example
Scenario:
- You're an Afghan national with refugee status in Canada.
- You hold a Canadian RTD.
While booking your flight, choose: “Canada” as your nationality — because your travel document is issued by Canada.
5. What If the Airline System Doesn’t Accept It?
Sometimes booking platforms don’t list “Refugee” status or get confused when visa-free access is checked.
Call the airline directly and explain:
“I am traveling with a Refugee Travel Document issued by [Country].”
✈ They can manually enter or clarify travel eligibility.
6. Key Tips for RTD Travelers
Always carry supporting documents:
- RTD + residency permit (PR, Green Card, etc.)
Check visa requirements:
RTD holders often need visas even for visa-free countries
Avoid layovers in countries where you might need a transit visa
Contact embassy or airline in advance if unsure
Final Thoughts: Travel with Confidence as an RTD Holder
Booking a flight with an RTD can be tricky—but it doesn't have to be.
Select the nationality that matches your current RTD
Don't rely on automated booking systems alone
When in doubt, talk to the airline or visit your government website
There was a time when this forum was a beacon of support, kindness, and constructive guidance a place where individuals could seek help and share their experiences without fear of judgment. Unfortunately, it is increasingly disheartening to witness a shift in tone, with many recent posts—particularly those from newcomers and immigrants being met with hostility and discouraging remarks, often from senior members of the community.
Such behavior not only diminishes the welcoming atmosphere this forum was once known for, but also discourages those who genuinely need support and are navigating already stressful processes. This space should be about building each other up, not tearing others down due to personal bias or prejudice.
If you do not have constructive or helpful input to offer, I respectfully ask that you refrain from commenting. If you hold negative views toward immigrants or feel the need to discourage others, this forum is not the appropriate place for that. We value encouragement, empathy, and community here and those who are unwilling to uphold those principles should reconsider their participation.
Let’s work together to restore the positive and respectful environment that once made this forum truly exceptional.
Such behavior not only diminishes the welcoming atmosphere this forum was once known for, but also discourages those who genuinely need support and are navigating already stressful processes. This space should be about building each other up, not tearing others down due to personal bias or prejudice.
If you do not have constructive or helpful input to offer, I respectfully ask that you refrain from commenting. If you hold negative views toward immigrants or feel the need to discourage others, this forum is not the appropriate place for that. We value encouragement, empathy, and community here and those who are unwilling to uphold those principles should reconsider their participation.
Let’s work together to restore the positive and respectful environment that once made this forum truly exceptional.
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