Who can get a Canadian passport?
The Government of Canada only issues Canadian passports to Canadian citizens.
Non-citizens can apply for travel documents in some situations:
- A Convention refugee or protected person can apply for a refugee travel document.
- A permanent resident of Canada can get a certificate of identity if they are stateless (but not a protected person) or cannot get a passport from their country of origin or any other source.
However, non-citizens cannot use a refugee travel document or certificate of identity to travel to their country of origin. Other countries may not accept these documents either.
Non-citizens can learn more on the Government of Canada’s website.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Are all Canadian citizens automatically entitled to a passport?
No. The Government of Canada can refuse to issue someone a passport for many reasons, including if they:
- are not a Canadian citizen
- provided false or misleading information in their application
- submitted an incomplete application
- helped someone else use a passport who was not the passport holder
- are charged in Canada or abroad with committing an offence
- are in jail or must follow court conditions that prevent them from leaving the country where the court is located
- must follow court conditions that prevent them from getting or having a passport
- have been convicted of a passport offence under Canada’s Criminal Code or similar laws abroad
- owe money to the Crown for getting help in the past when travelling abroad
The Government of Canada can also revoke, cancel or suspend passports. Learn more on the Government of Canada’s website.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Do I need a passport to travel everywhere outside Canada?
Most countries require a passport for entry. It is the most reliable and universally-accepted form of identification to prove you are a Canadian citizen and have a right to return to Canada. Even if a country does not require a passport for entry, it is a good idea to travel with one.
Review the Government of Canada’s website to see entry and exit requirements for other countries.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
How do I get a passport?
The Government of Canada issues passports to Canadian citizens. You can apply:
- in person at a Service Canada or passport office near you, or
- by mailing in your application and payment info (only for a standard passport to receive in 10 to 20 business days plus mail time).
See the Government of Canada’s website for more information.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Where can I get an application for a passport?
Visit the Government of Canada’s website to access the application form and find more instructions on how to complete your passport application.
If you need help, contact the Passport Help Centre.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Can I get a Canadian passport while abroad?
Yes. Canadian government offices in other countries can issue passports. For example, if your passport is lost or stolen, or if you are living abroad when your passport expires.
Visit the Government of Canada’s website for more information about applying for a passport while abroad.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
How much does it cost to get a passport?
As of June 2023, passport fees when applying in Canada are as follows:
- 5-year adult passport (age 16 or over): $120
- 10-year adult passport (age 16 or over): $160
- child passport (0 to 15 years): $57
There is no GST on passports.
There are additional fees if you need to replace a lost or stolen passport, or if you need your passport faster than standard processing times.
Check the Government of Canada website for current fees and for fees if applying while abroad.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
How will I receive my passport? How long will it take?
If you apply for a standard passport, you can choose to receive your passport by courier or you can pick it up at a passport office. The Government will issue your passport in 10 to 20 business days. Remember to account for mailing time after that.
If you need your passport faster, you can apply for an express or urgent passport. Additional fees apply.
- Express passport application: Apply in person and pick up at a passport office with express pick-up service. Processing time is 2 to 9 business days. You may need to prove why you need the passport quickly.
- Urgent passport application: Apply in person and pick up at a passport office with urgent pick-up service. Processing time is end of next business day. You must prove why you need the passport urgently.
Remember to apply as early as possible before you travel just in case there are delays.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
How long is a passport good for?
Adults (age 16 and over) can get a 5-year passport or a 10-year passport. Children aged 0 to 15 years can get a passport valid for 5 years.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Can I renew my passport?
You can renew your passport if your last passport:
- is an adult passport (meaning you were at least 16 years old when it was issued and it was issued within 15 years of you applying for a renewal)
- was valid for 5 or 10 years
- has the same name, date of birth and place of birth as you want on the new one
- has the same gender identifier as you want on the new one (either printed or shown on an observation sticker)
Note that you can still renew your passport even if it has expired! You must be applying for renewal within 15 years of the old one being issued. For example, say your old 10-year passport was issued on January 1, 2015 and expires on January 1, 2025. You can still renew it up till January 1, 2030, even though it is not valid after January 1, 2025.
You cannot renew your passport if:
- you currently have a child passport
- you want to change your name, gender identifier, date of birth, or place of birth on the new one
Last Reviewed: June 2023
What should I do if my passport or travel document is lost or stolen?
Contact the nearest Canada passport office (if you are in Canada) or the nearest Canadian government office (if you are abroad).
- If you are in Canada or the United States, call 1.800.567.6868 (TTY services: 1-866-255-7655).
- If you are outside Canada and the United States, contact the Passport Program.
Visit the Government of Canada’s website for more information on what to do next, including how to replace your passport.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
What should I do if my passport expires while I am outside Canada?
You can renew your passport while abroad. Learn more from the Government of Canada’s website.
However, you should never begin traveling with a passport that will expire during your trip. You may not be allowed to enter some countries if you passport is not valid for several months into the future. You should always renew your passport well before your current one expires.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Do I need a visa as well as a passport?
Some countries require you to have a visa to enter. The country will issue the visa, either before you travel or when you arrive, depending on their requirements.
Review the Government of Canada’s website to see entry and exit requirements for the countries you plan to visit.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Can the Canadian government take away my passport?
Yes. The Government of Canada can revoke or cancel a passport for various reasons.
When a passport is revoked, the person must return the passport. The Government of Canada might revoke a passport because the person:
- used the passport to help commit a crime in Canada or abroad
- allowed someone else to use the passport
- got the passport by providing false or misleading information
- ceases to be a Canadian citizen
The Government of Canada might cancel a passport if the person dies, among other reasons.
Revoked and cancelled passports are no longer valid for travel. The Government of Canada also contacts enforcement and border control officials to let them know of the revocation or cancellation.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
What is a NEXUS card? How do I get one?
A NEXUS card is a membership identification card you can use when entering Canada or the United States at designated NEXUS air, land and marine ports of entry. The NEXUS program is jointly run by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
A NEXUS membership allows you to cross the border quickly. It is only for low-risk, pre-approved travelers. You must apply for it and pay a $50 fee. NEXUS memberships are good for 5 years. You must still travel with your passport.
Learn more about the NEXUS program on the Government of Canada’s website.
Last Reviewed: June 2023