Travelling outside Canada as a permanent resident

Your permanent resident (PR) card can be used to show that you have permanent resident status in Canada. When you travel outside Canada, you should make sure you have a valid PR card before you leave Canada.

Travelling in a commercial vehicle

If you’re travelling in a commercial vehicle, you need a valid PR card to return to Canada. A commercial vehicle can be

• an airplane
• a bus
• a boat
• a train

If your card is expiring or you don’t have a card

Apply for or renew your PR card before you leave Canada. You can get your card only when you’re in Canada. We can’t mail it to a third party or outside Canada.

If you’re outside Canada without a card

If you’re outside Canada and don’t have a valid PR card, or your card has been lost, stolen or damaged, you need to apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to return to Canada.

If you apply for a card and it isn’t ready before you leave

We can’t mail your card to a third party or outside Canada.

Once you’re outside Canada, you need to apply for a PRTD to return to Canada. You can apply for a PRTD only from outside Canada.

Travelling in a private vehicle

If you’re travelling in a private vehicle, you can use your PR card or other documents to return to Canada.

A private vehicle can be a car, truck, motorcycle or recreational vehicle that you

• own
• borrow or
• rent