A Canada passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. It is also the best possible photo identification you can have. A valid Canadian passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries.
Only the Canadian Government has the authority to grant, issue or verify Canada passports. This small book holds enough information to be used for identification purposes worldwide.
Who Needs a Canada Passport?
Since 9/11, security issues related to travel have become tighter and tighter. The most obvious have been the increased security measures for travelling by air but the security measures have in fact increased for ALL types of travel, even when crossing the Canada-US border by car.
The Canadian federal government and the transport industry strongly urges all travellers to obtain and carry a passport for all travel outside of Canada, including travel to the US, valid for at least six months beyond your expected return date.
Children, including newborns, can no longer be listed on a parent’s passport, and must have their own Canadian passport. A separate passport application must be submitted for each child.
How much does it cost?
The fee for a child (0-15) of age is $57, and for a person over 16 years of age is $120 for a 5-year and $160 for a 10-year passport. (Fees may change please check with the Canada Passport Office).
Every country sets their own standards as to how long the passport will be valid for and how much is costs to get one. Currently, Canadian passports are valid for 5 or 10 years for adults and 5 years for children 0-15. Passports can be renewed. To renew your passport, you must be a Canadian citizen and your previous passport must have been issued to you when you were 16 years of age or over.
How can you get a Canadian Passport?
Your first step will be to obtain a Canada passport application and fill it out. You can pick up a Canadian passport application at a Canada Post outlet, a Canada Passport Office or get your Canada Passport Application online.
Online forms are in PDF and must be printed and completed offline, then submitted in person or by mail with accompanying documents. When using the online forms, be sure to select the correct form and follow the directions for printing and completing the form carefully.
Passport requirements may change, so pick up a new application form each time you are making a new application, the one you have left over from the last time you applied is probably no longer valid.
There are different versions of the application depending on if it is for an adult or child and if you are mailing it in or applying in person so be sure to fill out the correct one.
Learn about what you other documents you need for your Canada passport application.
Learn about where to apply for your Canada Passport and find a Canada passport office.
TIP Beware of any company trying to charge you for the application forms – these are provided free from the Canadian Government and there is no reason why you should be paying money for them.