Accreditation: Policy Regarding Expired Acceptances and Identity Cards
Circular Note No. XDC-2132 of July 8, 2014
Most recent date of change: Febuary 11, 2015
The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (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. This policy supesedes the Department's .
The Department encourages 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, as these are the only reliable and secure identification documents. In particular, before travelling to another country, 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 section 13 of its , 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 and passport. This applies 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, Trade and Development (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, July 8, 2014
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