Passports

Canadian Passport Information
	How do I obtain a Canadian passport?
	Should I carry a Canadian passport?
	What is the validity period of my passport?
	Why is it important to fill out the "In case of accident or death notify" section in my passport?
Lost or Stolen Passports
	What should I do if I lose my passport while I'm outside Canada?
Dual Citizenship
	If I have citizenship of another country, should I use that country's passport when travelling abroad?

Canadian Passport Information

Q: How do I obtain a Canadian passport?

A: Check the Passport Canada Web site. Passport Canada has launched an initiative called passport on-line. This initiative allows Canadians 16 years of age and older living in Canada to fill in the adult passport application electronically.

Q: Should I carry a Canadian passport?

A: You should have a valid Canadian passport for all trips outside Canada. Due to increased scrutiny of international travellers by airlines and immigration authorities around the world, Canadian citizens attempting to travel to Canada without a valid Canadian passport will be subject to additional verifications that may delay or prevent travel. A passport is the only document acceptable worldwide that proves both who you are and that you have a right to return to Canada. Some countries do not require a passport for entry but do require photographic identification (such as a driver’s licence) as well as proof of Canadian citizenship (such as a birth certificate or citizenship card). This varies from country to country. However, the only reliable and universally accepted document for identification is a passport. Carry one and keep it protected at all times.

To avoid delays and other problems that will hinder their return to Canada, Canadian citizens are strongly advised to obtain a Canadian passport prior to initiating international travel and to use their Canadian passport at all times for international travel. Before attempting return travel to Canada, Canadian citizens who do not hold a valid Canadian passport should contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad.

Q: Do Canadian citizens need a visa and/or a Machine Readable Passport to enter or transit the United States as part of the Visa Waiver Program?

A: As of October 26, 2004, the U.S. Visa Waiver Program requires visitors from various countries to have Machine Readable Passports to enter the U.S. This requirement does not apply to Canadian citizens even if the passport is issued abroad. Canadian citizens generally do not require a visa to travel to the United States. However, non-citizen permanent residents of Canada (and their children) as well as a list of other people (i.e. foreign government officials, officials and employees of international organizations, treaty traders and investors, fiancé/es and children of fiancé/es) do require a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States. Additional information is available from Passport Canada. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security also provides information.

Please consult the update on the status of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative for information on the proposed requirement for passport or alternate secure document (still to be determined) for entry of all visitors, including Americans and Canadians, to the United States.

Q: What is the validity period of my passport?

A: A Canadian passport is generally valid for a five-year period starting on the day it was issued. In some instances, passports are issued for shorter periods. Note that some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave those countries. Information on which countries impose this requirement can be found in the Country Travel Reports.

Q: Why is it important to fill out the "In case of accident or death notify" section in my passport?

A: Write the name of a person to contact in case of emergency on page 4. We recommend that you provide the name of someone who would not normally accompany you. This information will enable consular officials to establish contact with your next of kin in case of an emergency.

Lost or Stolen Passports

Q: What should I do if I lose my passport while I'm outside Canada?

A: Report the loss to the local police and obtain a written report on the circumstances. Then report the matter to the nearest Canadian government office abroad and apply for a replacement passport.

• Consult the Loss of Belongings section.
  
  
• Consult the Passport Services Abroad section.

Dual Citizenship

Q: If I have citizenship of another country, should I use that country's passport when travelling abroad?

A: No! Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada strongly recommends that Canadian citizens use only their Canadian passport when travelling abroad. Not doing so could create problems and could limit the willingness of foreign authorities to permit us to assist you if you encounter difficulties. Remember, your Canadian passport is the only document that will guarantee your re-entry into Canada.

Also, please note that in some countries it is illegal to have a second citizenship. Consult the FAQs on Dual Nationality and the publication Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know for further information.