Travelling as a Canadian PR: PR Card, Travel Document and Your Days
To board a flight to Canada you need a valid PR card or a PR travel document. If your card expires or is lost while you are abroad, you apply for a travel document, which costs $50 and normally works for one entry. Every day abroad also affects your 730-day residency rule.
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What do I need to travel as a PR?
You need a valid PR card or a PR travel document (PRTD) to enter Canada on a commercial vehicle, such as a plane, bus, boat or train. A PRTD is a temporary travel document for PRs who are outside Canada without a valid card.
Your PR status does not end when your card expires, but your travel options change.
What is a PR travel document?
A PRTD is normally valid for a single entry. When you return to Canada, apply for a new PR card. IRCC gives all PRTD applications priority processing.
Why your days matter
- Residency: you must be in Canada 730 days in any 5-year period
- Records: keep dates for every trip outside Canada
- Renewal: your next card needs proof of your days
Which document do you need?
It depends on where you are and what you hold.
You need a PRTD if you
- Are outside Canada with no valid PR card
- Lost your card, or it was stolen or damaged abroad
- Need to board a commercial flight to Canada
You do not need one if you
- Hold a valid PR card
- Are already in Canada: apply for a new card instead
- Want to give up your PR status: use the renunciation process
See the PR card guide, landing and COPR and the after you get PR guide.
What to know before you travel
Check these points before every trip. Details come from IRCC. Source: IRCC.
Valid PR card
Check the expiry date well before you leave.
PR travel document
The fix if your card expires or is lost while you are abroad.
Trip records
Write down your departure and return dates for every trip.
Days in Canada
Count your days, because the 730-day rule looks back 5 years.
Proof of days
Keep passport stamps, travel records and similar documents. See our tracking guide.
Planning a long trip abroad?
We count your days and tell you how a trip affects your status.
Rules for travelling as a PR
Card or travel document
You need one of them to board a commercial vehicle to Canada.
PRTD from abroad only
You can apply for a PRTD only from outside Canada. It normally lets you enter once.
Apply for a new card after
Urgent travel
Get a new PR card when you return to Canada, because the travel document is not a replacement.
If you must return soon, IRCC offers urgent processing for a PRTD. Check its page for the exact conditions.
Time abroad
Some time abroad counts toward the 730 days, such as time with a Canadian citizen spouse or working for a Canadian employer abroad.
Check the page date
IRCC last updated its travel document page on 21 August 2025. Check it before you apply.
Related pages
These pages cover programs, points and the Express Entry process.
How to travel safely as a PR
Five habits protect your status and your trip.
Check your card
Look at the expiry date before you book.
Count your days
Add up your days in Canada in the past 5 years.
Record the trip
Save your dates and travel proof.
Fix a missing card
Apply for a PRTD from abroad if your card is invalid.
Renew on return
Apply for a new PR card after you come back.
Want your trip checked first?
We count your days and review your documents before you go.
Travel as a PR, step by step
Six steps from planning to your return.
Count your days
See how many days you have in the past 5 years.
Check your PR card
Make sure it will be valid for your whole trip.
Record your trip
Write down your departure date and keep proof.
Fix a lost card
If your card is lost abroad, apply for a PRTD.
Come back
Show your PR card or PRTD to board your flight.
Renew your card
Apply for a new PR card once you are back in Canada.
Five mistakes PRs make when they travel
These mistakes can strand you or cost you status.
Flying with an expired card
You need a valid card or a PRTD to board.
Not keeping records
You cannot prove your 730 days without them.
Staying away too long
Long absences can leave you short of 730 days.
Using the PRTD as a card
A PRTD is normally for one entry. Apply for a new card on return.
Applying for a PRTD to give up PR
If you want to give up PR status, use the renunciation process instead.
Want a second set of eyes?
We review your days and documents before you travel.
PR travel facts at a glance
Key facts from IRCC, checked October 2026.
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Travelling as a PR: FAQs
What do I need to travel to Canada as a PR?
You need a valid PR card or a PR travel document (PRTD) to enter Canada on a commercial vehicle such as a plane, bus, boat or train (IRCC, checked October 2026).
What is a PR travel document?
A PRTD is a temporary document for PRs who are outside Canada without a valid PR card. It is normally valid for a single entry, so you apply for a new PR card when you return.
How much does a PR travel document cost?
The fee is $50 when you apply. See our PR fees page for the other federal fees.
Where can I apply for a PRTD?
You can apply only from outside Canada. If you are already in Canada, apply for a new PR card instead.
Can I get urgent processing for a PRTD?
IRCC offers urgent processing for people who must return to Canada within a short time. Check IRCC for the exact conditions, and note that all PRTD applications get priority processing.
How long can I stay outside Canada as a PR?
You must be in Canada for at least 730 days in any 5-year period, so long stays abroad can put your status at risk. Our guide to the residency obligation explains the rule.
Does time abroad ever count toward the 730 days?
Some time abroad can count, such as time spent with a Canadian citizen spouse or working abroad for a Canadian business. See our guide to exceptions to the rule.
What if I did not meet the residency obligation?
You stay a PR until an immigration officer decides on your status. Read our guide on what happens next and get advice before you travel.
Can Amir Ismail help me plan PR travel?
Yes. We count your days, check your documents and tell you how a trip affects your status. Book a Strategy Consultation to start.