Travel document requirements for Members of the Administrative and Technical staff and Consular Employees

Circular Note No. XDC-2684 of October 30, 2008

Most recent date of change: April 20, 2016

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (Office of Protocol) presents its compliments to Their Excellencies the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and Chargés d’affaires, a.i. accredited to Canada and has the honour to advise of a change in the Department's travel document requirements for Members of the Administrative and Technical staff and Consular Employees.

Effective immediately, official (“J”) acceptances will no longer be inserted into the ordinary passport of a Member of the Administrative and Technical staff or Consular Employee. Accreditation will only be granted to holders of a diplomatic, official, special or service passport. This policy applies to members of the Administrative and Technical staff and Consular Employees currently on posting in Canada and to all persons travelling to Canada to assume their official functions at diplomatic missions and consular posts. This policy does not apply to family members eligible for accreditation.

NEW: the Department requires that each applicant’s curriculum vitae be submitted as part of the application process for the temporary resident visa, before the applicant’s arrival in Canada.

In the event that the sending State is unable to meet the above criteria or for general questions or queries about this administrative policy change, diplomatic missions can contact the designated Accreditation Processing Officer, as follows:

  • Afghanistan to China; France and Pakistan (343-203-3016)
  • Colombia to Holy See; Saudi Arabia (343-203-3012)
  • Honduras to Mauritius; Russia (343-203-3019)
  • Mexico to Serbia (343-203-3020)
  • Seychelles to Zimbabwe (343-203-3017)

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 Chargés d’affaires, a.i. accredited to Canada the assurances of its highest consideration.

OTTAWA, October 30, 2008