If you’re like most people, the only time you ever think about your passport is when you need to use it. And if you’re Canadian, chances are good that your passport is one of the most important pieces of documentation you own.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Europe or just taking a vacation within Canada, having a valid Canadian passport is a must. But do you know everything about passports? Here’s a look at some interesting facts about Canadian passports.
Contents
What is a Canadian passport?
A passport is a document that lets the holder enter any country in the world. A passport is issued to anyone who is a citizen of a country. It allows the person to travel around the world and visit countries that allow foreigners.
A Canadian passport is an official travel document that allows you to enter and exit Canada. It also allows you to travel to other countries that have a visa agreement with Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen, you can apply for a passport through the Government of Canada. It is valid for five years. After it expires, you can renew it for another five years.
It is important to carry your passport with you while you travel. It is your main proof that you are a citizen of the country that you are visiting.
What are the features of a Canadian passport?
A Canadian passport has the following features:
- A Canadian passport is a travel document that allows you to enter and exit Canada.
- It also serves as proof of your Canadian citizenship.
- A Canadian passport is valid for five years from the date of issue.
- You can renew your passport up to one year before it expires.
- If you are 16 years of age or older, you can apply for a passport on your own.
- If you are under 16 years of age, your parent or legal guardian must apply for your passport on your behalf.
- A Canadian passport costs $87 CAD for a five-year validity period, or $160 CAD for a ten-year validity period.
- You can use a Canadian passport to travel to any country in the world.
- A Canadian passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world, ranked 4th in 2019.
- Some of the features that make a Canadian passport so powerful are its visa-free and eTA-free travel to 156 countries, as well as its access to 50 visa-on-arrival countries.
How to apply for a Canadian passport?
If you’re a Canadian citizen, you can apply for a passport to travel outside of Canada. Here’s how:
- Gather the required documents. You’ll need proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, as well as a valid form of photo identification, like a driver’s license.
- Fill out the application form. You can do this online or get a paper copy from a Canadian embassy, consulate, or passport office.
- Pay the application fee. For adults, the fee is $87 CAD for a 5-year passport or $145 CAD for a 10-year passport. For children under 16, the fee is $35 CAD for a 5-year passport or $57 CAD for a 10-year passport.
- Submit your application. You can mail it in or drop it off at a passport office. If you’re applying online, you’ll need to print out your completed application and sign it before mailing it in.
- Wait for your passport to arrive in the mail. For regular processing, you can expect to receive your passport in 4-6 weeks. If you need it sooner, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing (2-3 weeks) or express processing (1 week).
Following these steps will ensure that you have a valid Canadian passport to travel with. Bon voyage!
Check Also: What Are the Fees for a Car Accident Lawyer?
What are the different types of Canadian passports?
There are three different types of Canadian passports:
- Regular passport
- Official passport
- Diplomatic passport
Here’s a closer look at each one:
- Regular Passport
- Issued to Canadian citizens for travel outside of Canada
- Valid for 5 years for adults and children aged 16 and over, or 3 years for children under 16
- Contains 32 pages
- Official Passport
- Issued to Canadian government employees for travel on official business
- Five years for adults and children ages 16 and older, or three years for children ages 8 and under.
- It also contains 32 pages
- Diplomatic Passport
- Issued to Canadian diplomats and their families for travel on official business
- 5-year validity period for adults and adolescents aged 16 and older; 3-year validity period for children younger than 16
- Having 32 pages
- Has a special cover that is blue in colour
There you have it! A detailed look at the different types of Canadian passports. Be sure to check the requirements before applying for your own, so you can be sure to get the right one for your needs.
What to do if your passport is lost or stolen?
There’s nothing worse than losing your passport while you’re on vacation. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what to do if your Canadian passport is lost or stolen:
- First, call the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate and report the loss or theft. They will be able to help you replace your passport and can also provide you with emergency travel documents if necessary.
- Next, contact your bank and credit card companies to cancel any cards that were in your passport. This will help prevent identity theft and fraud.
- Finally, make sure to keep a copy of your passport in a safe place so that you can more easily replace it if it is lost or stolen.
We know losing your passport can be a major headache, but following these steps can help make the process as smooth as possible.
How to renew your Canadian passport?
If you’re a Canadian citizen, you can renew your passport by mail or in person at a Passport Canada office. The process is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- First, make sure your current passport is valid. If it’s expired, you’ll need to apply for a new passport instead.
- Second, gather the required documents. You’ll need to submit your most recent passport, two new passport photos, and a completed application form.
- Third, pay the renewal fee. The fee for renewing a Canadian passport is $60 CAD for adults and $35 CAD for children under 16.
- Finally, send your application by mail or take it in person to a Passport Canada office. If you’re renewing by mail, make sure to use registered mail so you can track your application.
That’s it! Once your application is processed, you’ll receive your new passport in the mail.
Verdict of the discussion
So there you have it – a little bit of everything you need to know about Canadian passports. Whether you’re looking to get one for the first time, or renewing an old one, we hope this post has been helpful. As always, if you have any questions feel free to reach out to us and we would be happy to help. And don’t forget, if you’re travelling outside of Canada make sure your passport is up-to-date!
FAQ’s
Does Canada allow dual citizenship?
If you have dual (or multiple) citizenship, you are a citizen of two or more countries. In Canada, it is lawful to have dual or multiple citizenship. There are additional countries where this practice may not be permitted.
Does Canadian citizenship expire?
It is illegal for a Canadian citizen to lose his or her Canadian citizenship card or certificate. However, if they are in poor shape or are illegible, they may no longer be accepted. A document must be replaced if its photo, borders, or writing are destroyed.
How valuable is a Canadian passport?
According to the Guide Passport Ranking Index, Canada’s passport is 9th. It’s visa-free in 188 nations. With a high mobility score, it’s a coveted passport.