Travelling this winter? Check your passport validity, advises Service Canada

Winter is coming and many Canadians are starting to plan their international getaways. 

To ensure travellers are ready, Service Canada is encouraging Canadians to check their passport validity based on the destination's entry and exit requirements, which may include a minimum validity period.

The passport must meet those requirements, the agency advises. 

Plan ahead

Planning ahead is always the best approach, said Minister of Citizens' Services, Terry Beech in a statement on Friday (Oct. 25).

Beech is urging Canadians who needs their first adult passport, or a passport for their child, to apply as soon as possible – at least six months prior to their travel date.

"Travelling can often be a stressful experience, but getting your passport doesn't have to be. By planning ahead and identifying the best service options for you, you can get ahead of the busier service times at Service Canada Centres and passport offices,” Minister Beech said. “I strongly recommend that Canadians who wish to travel abroad ensure they have a valid passport as one of the first planning steps. Check the expiry date of your passport and ensure you are allowed to enter your destination country with it. If you need a new passport, Service Canada is here to help."

Getting an early start on the process gives travellers plenty of time to gather the required documents and materials for renewal.

It could also avoid situations where they cannot enter or leave their country of choice despite having a valid passport because of entry and exit requirements.

Options available

Canadians can visit eServiceCanada to book an appointment at their nearest Service Canada location.

All forms must be completed before the appointment. Canadians can also obtain passport services without an appointment.

Depending on when the passport is needed, many options are available to submit passport applications:

• No immediate travel plans: Canadians who do not have immediate travel plans can submit their application by mail or in person at any Service Canada Centre, passport office or scheduled outreach site.
• Travel in the coming weeks: Canadians who will travel in the coming weeks can visit a Service Canada Centre or a passport office that processes applications within 10 business days. This does not include the mailing time for the passport. Clients can also choose to pick up their passport once it is ready.
• Travel in less than two weeks: If a passport is needed in less than two weeks, Canadians must visit a passport office that offers urgent or express pick-up services. Proof of travel is required. For more information, visit Get urgent, express or emergency weekend passport services.
• Visit Find a passport service location in Canada for all the details about passport offices, including the estimated wait times for offices offering 10-business-day passport service.

Canadians should include their travel date, if they have one, in their passport application.

For more details on the Passport Program, Service Canada points of service and service standards, visit Canadian passports and other travel documents: Applying in Canada.

Estimated wait times at offices offering 10-business day passport service can be found at Find a passport service location in Canada.

Rather than calling or visiting a Service Canada point of service, applicants can check the status of their application using the online Passport Application Status Checker.

Increase in demand

Service Canada issued approximately 33 per cent more passports in fiscal year 2023–24 than in the previous year and exceeded the 90 per cent performance target by processing 92 per cent of passport applications within service standards.

For 2024–25, Service Canada expects to receive between 5.19 million and 5.74 million passport applications.

The agency says it “remains on track” to exceed its service targets, despite the significant increase in demand.

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