Originally Posted by
mh1993
Hello folks,
I have a dual citizenship of Canada and Country-A in Asia. Country-A doesn't allow dual citizenship, but nevertheless, I'm trying to see if I could hold both citizenship discreetly. Now, I'm planning to go back to Country-A this summer (with Air Canada) for a vacation using the following plan:
Departure:
1) Canada --> Country-A (with some airport transit in another country in between, no visa required since I'm just going to be stuck in the airport)
Return:
1) Country-A --> Country-B (Country-B does not require visa for citizens of Country-A)
2) Country-B --> Canada
I think I'm covered since I would never have to show my Canadian passport in Country-A at any time at all. However, I have some doubt about checking in with Air Canada (AC) for my departure:
1) If I use my Country-A passport (does not have any visa/PR card/permit for staying in Canada) for departure check-in, would AC staffs ask me for a valid residency permit in Canada (e.g. passport)?
2) If I use my Canadian passport for checking in, or if AC staffs demand that I show my Canadian passport, would they use that Canadian passport info for my API and send the API to Country-A border immigration?
Thanks in advance for any help/opinion/suggestion!
Since you have Malaysian and Canadian citizenship, here's what you do (
this is all assuming you didn't get Canadian citizenship through asylum or anything and that your name is the same on both Canadian and Malaysian passports):
Canada to Malaysia
Don't bother yourself with multiple airlines if you don't have to. In Canada, book a ticket to Malaysia via Cathay Pacific, let's say, and use your Malaysian passport information.
When you check in, show the airline your Malaysian passport.
When you go through security to enter your terminal, show your Malaysian passport and boarding pass. Canada doesn't do exit stamps or checks on your status.
When you board the plane, show the gate airline agent your Malaysian passport.
Do the same in Hong Kong when you board your flight to Malaysia.
When entering Malaysia and going through immigration, show your Malaysian passport.
Malaysia to Canada
This will work a little differently.
When checking in at the airline in the Malaysian airport, show them your Malaysian passport (since it's the one that has the passport info) and show them your Canadian passport because it's proof that you're able to enter Canada.
When going through Malay exit immigration to enter the terminal, show them your Malay passport. Do NOT show them your Canadian passport as it's none of their business. All they're concerned about knowing your legal status in Malaysia.
When boarding the plane, show the airline gate agent your Canadian passport.
From Hong Kong and after, continue using your Canadian passport until you arrive in Canada, where you'll also show your Canadian passport.
It might be a little different if your name is different or differently spelled on both passports or if you're an asylee. Either way, you don't have to buy separate tickets, though you can if you want to be extra cautious, though it might stand to complicate things.