A passport is an identity document that allows a person to enter another country. It’s the best way to prove that you’re a Canadian citizen.
To avoid problems, it’s a good idea to have a valid passport.
How Can I Get a Passport?
You must be a Canadian citizen and you must file a passport application with the Government of Canada.
The process for getting a passport depends on where you are. It’s not the same if you are in Canada or in the United States, or if you are somewhere else in the world.
For Canadians in Canada or the United States, there are two different ways to get a passport:
- the passport application,
- the simplified renewal process.
Passport Application
To apply for a passport, you must complete and submit an application form. You can get the form from a Passport Canada office, from some Service Canada offices or online.
You must also submit the following documents:
- proof that you’re a Canadian citizen (for example, a birth certificate or a certificate of citizenship, etc.),
- proof of identity (for example, a driver’s license or a health insurance (Medicare) card),
- two identical passport photos which meet the requirements,
- if you have one, a passport or any other Canadian travel document that is still valid.
You also must find two types of people that can confirm your identity:
- A guarantor.
- Two references. They must be 18 or older, have known you for at least two years and agree to you using their name and contact information for your application.
If you don’t have a guarantor or you don’t have all the required documents, consult this website to know what you can do.
Simplified Renewal Process
If you have previously had a Canadian passport, you may be eligible for the simplified renewal process. This process is faster and easier than doing a new passport application. To be eligible, you must meet the following conditions:
1. You must have a Canadian passport that:
- was issued in the last 15 years,
- was valid for 5 or 10 years,
- was issued when you were 16 or older,
- indicates the same name, date and place of birth as the ones you want to use for your new passport,
- shows the same gender identifier than the one asked for your new passport (on the main page or on the observation sticker).
2. You must provide the following information from your old passport:
- the passport number,
- the issue date,
- the expiry date.
If you don’t meet all those conditions, you will have to file a passport application as if it were your first time applying for a passport.
For any passport application or renewal, you must send the required documents by mail or bring them in person to a service point. Good to know! Passport applications can now be done online for a limited number of people.
You can find information on the fees and processing times for your application on the Government of Canada’s website.
How Long Is an Adult Passport Valid for?
An adult passport is valid for 5 or 10 years. When it expires, or before it expires, you will need to renew it or apply for a new one.
Do Children Need Their Own Passport?
Yes. Children, even newborns, must have their own passport. Passports for children under 16 are valid for five years.
To obtain a passport for your child, you must complete the application form and submit it with all the required documents. You can send your application by mail or do it in person. You can’t apply for a passport for your child online.
Do I Need a Passport to Travel to the United States?
You don’t always need a passport to go to the United States. What documents you need to show will depend on whether you’re travelling to the United States by sea, land or air.
By Land or Sea
You need one the following documents:
- passport,
- NEXUS card,
- FAST (Free and Secure Trade) card,
- enhanced identification card (EIC) or enhanced driver’s licence (EDL),
- Certificate of Indian Status.
By Air
You need a valid passport.
My Passport is Valid When I Leave, but It Will Expire While I’m Away. Can I Go on My Trip Without Renewing It?
You should not go on a trip with a passport that will expire while you are away or will expire shortly after you return. It is safer to contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit before you leave to learn more.
Some countries refuse to let people enter if their passport will soon expire.
Lost or Stolen Passports
If you’re in Canada or in the United States when your passport is lost or stolen, you must notify the passport program and the local police. Explain the circumstances surrounding the loss or theft of your passport.
If you’re outside Canada or the United States when your passport is lost or stolen, report the loss or theft to the nearest Government of Canada office and to the local police.
For more information on what to do if your passport is lost or stolen, visit the Government of Canada’s website.
Any Precautions to Take Before Leaving Canada?
Before you leave, you can:
- Make photocopies of your passport. Keep one copy in your luggage, separate from your actual passport. Give another copy to a family member or friend who’ll be in Canada while you’re away. These photocopies will be helpful in case your passport is lost or stolen.
- Register with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service. This way, you will stay in contact with the government in case of an emergency while you’re away, or even during an emergency in Canada.
- Have a parent’s written consent when travelling with your children without the other parent, or with children who aren’t yours. Verify whether other documents might be required.
- Learn about laws, vaccinations and particularities of the country you’re visiting. Visit the Government of Canada website for information on other countries and precautions to take.
- Check your insurance coverage, including your health insurance.
What’s a travel visa? Is it a must to travel?
A visa is a document that a country gives to a foreign person. It lets that person enter the country and stay temporarily on its territory.
You need a visa to enter some countries. To find out whether you need a visa to enter the country you want to visit, you can contact the government office of the country you want to visit. The website Travel.gc.ca has general information on most countries as well as information on visas requirements.
Applying for a visa can be a very long process, so make sure to give yourself enough time. The cost of a visa varies from country to country.