A Canadian passport is the primary travel document for Canadian citizens, proving both identity and citizenship for international air travel to and from Canada.
This guide is for Canadian citizens and those seeking information on Canadian passports, including requirements, costs, and application steps. It covers passport types, eligibility, fees, application and renewal processes, and recent changes as of 2026. Whether you are applying for your first Canadian passport, renewing an existing one, or exploring alternatives for non-citizens, this article provides up-to-date information to help you navigate the process confidently.
Key Takeaways
- Only Canadian citizens may request a Canadian passport – non-citizens may qualify for refugee travel documents or a Certificate of Identity instead.
- A new fee schedule took effect March 31, 2026: the new fee for a 10-year adult passport is $163.50 and the new fee for a 5-year adult passport is $122.50.
- From April 1, 2026, IRCC guarantees complete applications are processed within 30 business days or the passport fee is refunded automatically.
- To apply for a new Canadian passport, you need proof of citizenship, supporting documents, two photos, a completed form, a guarantor, references, and payment of fees.
Are there Different Canadian Passport types?
Yes, Canada issues several types of passports:
- Regular passports are issued to Canadian citizens for personal or business travel.
- Diplomatic passports are issued to Canadian diplomats and high-ranking officials.
- Special passports are issued to members of Parliament and provincial government representatives.
- Temporary passports are issued in urgent situations while waiting for regular passports.
Understanding which type of Canadian passport you need is the first step. Next, let’s explore who is eligible for a Canadian passport and what alternatives exist for non-citizens.
Who Can Get a Canadian Passport and What Are the Alternatives?
Only Canadian citizens are eligible for a regular Canadian passport, whether citizenship was obtained by birth in Canada, descent, or naturalization.
Non-citizens, including convention refugees and protected persons in Canada, cannot receive a Canadian passport but may apply for a Refugee Travel Document or Certificate of Identity. These travel documents function as recognized documents for crossing borders but do not grant Canadian nationality, and the majority of holders will find that visa-free access is more limited. Travel to the person’s country of citizenship is usually restricted. Families in this situation should verify eligibility and fees directly with IRCC.
Next, let’s look at the costs, validity, and recent changes to Canadian passport fees and processing.
Passport Validity and 2026 Fees
Canadian passport fees and validity depend on the applicant’s age, passport type, and chosen validity period. All costs are in Canadian dollars.
| Passport Type | Validity | Fee (as of March 31, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (10-year) | 10 years | $163.50 |
| Adult (5-year) | 5 years | $122.50 |
| Child (under 16) | Up to 5 years | ~$58.50 |
| Adult (10-year, abroad) | 10 years | ~$266.25 |
Canadian citizens aged 16 or older can apply for a 5-year or 10-year regular passport. Children under 16 receive a passport valid for a maximum of 5 years. Passport fees will be adjusted annually based on inflation under the Service Fees Act, so expect small, regular increases. For Canadians living abroad, fees are higher (e.g. ~$266.25 for a 10-year adult passport outside Canada). Urgent or express services also cost more.
Now that you know the costs and validity, let’s move on to how to apply for a new Canadian passport or travel document.
How to Apply for a Canadian Passport?
To apply for a Canadian passport, you must submit an application form. You will need valid proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or Canadian citizenship card. Supporting identity documents are required to confirm your identity. A guarantor is someone who can confirm your identity for the application, and two references are people who have known you for at least two years and can vouch for your identity. Each of these documents plays a crucial role in verifying your eligibility and identity during the application process.
Core Requirements for a New Passport
- A completed application form (Government of Canada application forms should only be downloaded from the official website)
- Valid proof of Canadian citizenship – typically a birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or Canadian citizenship card. The proof of citizenship process itself can take time, so plan forward.
- Supporting identity documents are required for the passport application
- Two identical passport photos are needed for a Canadian passport application
- A guarantor is needed who can confirm your identity for the application
- Two references who have known you for at least two years are required for the application
- Full payment of the applicable fees
Most people apply in person at a passport office or Service Canada centre, by mail, or through online renewal.
Canadian Passport Processing Times
Processing times for Canadian passport applications typically take 10 to 20 business days depending on your option and place of submission.
The new 30-business-day processing guarantee ruling since April 1, 2026, means that if a complete application is not processed within 30 business days, the passport fee is refunded automatically and you do not need to request it. Business days exclude weekends and federal holidays, and mailing time is not included. This guarantee only applies to complete applications; missing or non-compliant items void it and cause delays.
Travellers should apply well in advance, especially during peak summer and winter seasons.
Common Passport Application Errors
| Error Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Photo issues | Photos not meeting size or lighting standards |
| Document mismatch | Mismatched names or dates between documents |
| Missing signatures | Required signatures not provided |
| Incomplete application | Missing information or documents |
The application must be complete for smooth processing. To apply for a Canadian passport, you must submit an application form and fill it out carefully.
With your application ready, let’s see how to renew your Canadian passport, including online and in-person options.
How to Renew My Canadian Passport
Renew your Canadian Passport online
Online renewal is now available and convenient for eligible adults. As of July 28, 2026, eligible Canadians can renew passports online without daily limits. Online renewal requires passports to expire in six months or less, with no observations on pages, and renewing online requires matching details with the current passport (same name, date of birth, gender identifier). A new passport application cancels your current passport immediately, current passports are cancelled upon applying for online renewal, so ensure you do not need it for upcoming travel. Passport applications can be submitted online or by mail, and in-person and mail services for passport renewal remain available for those who prefer them.
Protected persons who are not Canadian citizens should follow a separate process for travel documents, reach out to IRCC for the Refugee Travel Document or Certificate of Identity, each with its own fees and limitations on destinations.
Build extra time into your plan for postal delays, week-long peak-season volume, and any need to obtain supporting civil documents like new birth certificates or name-change orders. For expired or soon-expiring passports, do not wait until the last mid-travel moment.
Now that you know how to apply and renew, let’s see how Moving2Canada can support your broader immigration and travel planning.
How Moving2Canada Can Help With Your Immigration and Travel Planning
Moving2Canada is a free, independent tools and immigration news platform for people immigrating to and settling in Canada. We are not a government body or paid consulting firm.
While we do not process Canadian passport applications, we help newcomers to Canada to navigate their immigration journeys, from study permits and work permits to permanent residency via Express Entry and eventually Canadian citizenship. Our essential checklist for newcomers covers pre-travel document prep and settlement tips.
Join our free newsletter and community to receive personalized tools, immigration timelines, reminders about important renewals, and curated partner offers for banking, housing, and insurance.
FAQs About Canadian Passports and Travel Documents
Do I need to live in Canada to renew or apply for a Canadian passport?
No. Canadians living abroad can usually apply or renew through Canadian embassies, high commissions, or consulates in their country of residence. Processing times and fees may differ slightly – for example, a 10-year adult passport applied for outside Canada costs approximately $266.25. Follow the overseas procedures on the IRCC website for your specific situation.
Does a Canadian passport guarantee entry to every country without a visa?
No. Although Canadian passports offer strong visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a large number of countries around the world, some destinations still require a visa in advance. Always check entry rules with the destination’s embassy or official website before booking travel – security requirements and entry policies are updated regularly.
What if I lose my Canadian passport while travelling?
Report the loss or theft immediately to local police and the nearest Canadian embassy, consulate, or consular office. They can help arrange emergency travel documents or a replacement for a valid lost passport, though this typically requires extra fees, photos, and identity checks. Keep a digital copy of your passport pages in a secure place as a backup.
How far in advance should I renew my Canadian passport before it expires?
Renew at least six months before your expected international travel date. Some countries require a minimum of six months’ passport validity beyond the date of entry. The 30 business day processing guarantee from April 1, 2026, applies only to complete applications and does not cover mailing time, so do not leave renewal to the last minute. If your passport has already expired, you can still apply – the process is the same.
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