Policy regarding expired acceptances and identity cards
Circular Note No. XDC-0462 of March 12, 2010 ()
Most recent date of change: August 5, 2010
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Office of Protocol) presents its compliments to Their Excellencies the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and notified Chargés d’affaires, a.i. accredited to Canada, as well as to the Heads of International Organizations and Other Offices accredited to Canada, and has the honour to refer to the matter of expired diplomatic and official acceptances (counterfoil in passport) and matching identity cards.
The Department wishes to encourage Diplomatic Missions, International Organizations and Other Offices to closely monitor the validity dates of acceptances and matching identity cards of their accredited staff and family members. In particular, before travelling outside Canada, accredited persons should ensure that the acceptance will be valid long enough to re-enter Canada, thus avoiding having to apply for a visa abroad or minimizing difficulties at the port of entry.
The Department, in accordance with its circular note XDC-2434 dated October 24, 2006, recalls the importance it attaches to receiving requests for the extension or renewal of accreditation no later than four (4) weeks prior to the expiration date by way of a Note, accompanied by the identification card, recent photograph and valid passport. This applies also to all accredited family members. In the event that 90 days have elapsed since the expiry of the accreditation, the Department will automatically withdraw the status of the individual and notify the sending State accordingly.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Office of Protocol) avails itself of this opportunity to renew to Their Excellencies the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and notified Chargés d’affaires, a.i. accredited to Canada, as well as to the Heads of International Organizations and Other Offices accredited to Canada, the assurances of its highest consideration.
OTTAWA, March 12, 2010
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