New Passport Guidelines

The government is ensuring that the Canadian passport remains one of the most advanced and trustworthy travel documents in the world.

Well before the terrorist attacks of September 11, the Government of Canada was working on ways to enhance passport security. In December 2001, it tightened the rules for passport applications.

The biggest change is that Canadian children - even infants - will now need their own passports when they travel abroad. In the past, they were listed on their parents' passports. This new policy will help to discourage the abduction and trafficking of children.

The government has also modified the criteria for identification documents and guarantors. For example, certificates of baptism from Quebec are no longer accepted in lieu of birth certificates. Assumed names will no longer be permitted on passports. Bank officers can no longer be guarantors.

New fees

The Government of Canada has set new fees for passports that reflect the cost of providing better service and security.

The Passport Office is a self-funded agency. That means it depends solely on revenue generated from selling passports. Over the last few years, the Passport Office has spent tens of millions of dollars modernizing its operations. Costs have gone up, but revenues have not. Passport fees have stayed the same since 1992.

The new fees are:
Children under three: $20. 
Children three to 15: $35,
Adults (over 16): $85.

Getting a passport is still cheaper in Canada than it is many other countries.

Processing time

There are 29 passport offices across Canada providing personalized service. You can also submit your passport application to the office of your Member of Parliament. All applications are processed in Gatineau, Quebec. Because of the increased number of passport applications since September 11, and the introduction of enhanced security measures, average processing time has risen to 30-35 days. Under normal conditions however, you can usually get your passport about ten working days from the day you bring in the application. If you mail in your application, you can expect to wait about 20 working days.

If you need to get your passport quickly, urgent and express services are available under certain conditions. If you are entitled to pick-up in 24 hours, you will have to pay the regular passport fee plus $70. For pick-up in two to nine days, you will pay the passport fee plus $30.

For more information about passports, please cons the Passport Office web site at www.ppt.gc.ca.