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There isn’t a specific answer to this question. This is because each country has its own entry requirements.

Always check the entry and exit requirements for all countries you’re going to visit before making your plans. Then check your passport to see when it expires. This will tell you whether you need to renew your passport yet.

All countries have their own entry requirements. Read the travel advisories to view the entry and exit requirements of each country.

Since these requirements can change, you may also check with the Government of Canada office of the country you visit.

You shouldn’t travel with a passport that will expire during your trip or shortly after your planned return. To avoid problems while travelling, you should get a new passport before leaving if your passport could expire around or during your travels.

Some countries won’t allow you to enter if your passport expires shortly after your planned return date. To find out more about entry and exit requirements, consult the:

travel advisories
Government of Canada office of the country you will be visiting

You should make all travel arrangements in the name on your passport.

If the names don't match, you may have problems at border crossings or when boarding flights.

Check with the authorities in the destination country to find out if you need any other documents.

Travelling with children

We strongly recommend that your child carry a consent letter if they’re travelling abroad:

friends or relatives
only one parent/guardian

For the purposes of the consent letter, a Canadian child is defined as anyone who is under the age of majority (18 or 19, depending on the province or territory of residence).

Learn more about children travelling abroad and get a sample consent letter at Travel.gc.ca .

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New rules for Canadian passports should help ease bottleneck for renewals as travel reopens

Post date: Apr 1 2022

Date: Apr 1 2022

By: Travelweek Group

OTTAWA — The rush to travel amid eased restrictions has created a bottleneck of long wait times for passport renewals, which makes the latest announcement from the federal government welcome news for many travellers, and their travel agents.

Effective March 31, Canadians in Canada and abroad can now use the simplified process to renew an expired passport, as long as it was issued within the last 15 years.

The simplified process is also available to individuals who had their passport lost, stolen or damaged.

Both updates are a change from the usual procedure. Previously the simplified renewal process wasn’t available for passports expired longer than a year, or those that were lost, stolen or damaged.

With the simplified renewal process, applicants don’t need to have a guarantor or to provide their original documents, such as proof of citizenship or photo identification. They only need two photos, two references, their completed form and the applicable fees.

More details can be found here .

While this should help speed things up somewhat at the passport office, the government still recommends that Canadians apply early and not finalize any travel plans until they have received their new passport.

“As international travel resumes, we need to continue to modernize and improve our passport services to make sure we meet the needs of Canadians. Simplifying the renewal process will make it easier and faster for Canadians to get their passport, and is another step toward greater modernization while prioritizing the health and safety of Canadians and our employees,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

The expansion of the simplified renewal application process for Canadian passports comes as more and more COVID travel restrictions lift.

The latest, effective starting today, April 1 , sees the lifting of the pre-arrival test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers coming into or returning to Canada. Random testing for arrivals is still in place. Unvaccinated travellers are still subject to all the usual requirements, including the pre-arrival test, the on-arrival test and the day 8 test, plus quarantine.

Tags: Canada, Lead Story, Passport

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Information on travelling to Canada, border wait times, customs and immigration .

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Information on what you can bring to Canada, how to declare it and the costs of importing goods for personal use

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Regularly updated list of wait times at border crossing points for drivers coming to Canada from the U.S.

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Information on the NEXUS, CANPASS and Remote Area Border Crossing Programs.

Travelling as a dual citizen

Dual Canadian citizens need a Canadian passport to board a flight to or transit through Canada by air

If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return

What to do if you are sick when or after you return to Canada

Moving back to Canada

Links to the provincial and territorial government resources you need when you move back to Canada

A regularly updated list of wait times at border ports of entry for drivers coming to Canada from the U.S.

You need a valid Canadian passport to board a flight to Canada.

General guidelines on what you can and cannot bring into Canada when you return from abroad.

Applying for a passport in Canada? What you need to know

As summer grows ever closer, Canadians are becoming more and more interested in travelling again — but with reported delays in acquiring or renewing a passport unlikely to end any time soon , understanding the process is key.

At the moment, if you visit the page on the government website pertaining to passports, a notification at the top of the page reveals that they are “experiencing very high call volumes right now.”

“Wait times are longer than usual,” the alert states. “If you do not have travel plans in the next 2 weeks, we suggest you wait to call us.”

Some of the delays are due to the increased interest in travel compared to the last two years of the pandemic. Between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, Service Canada issued around 363,000 passports, but from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, the agency issued 1,273,000 passports, according to a spokesperson.

One family that began renewing their passports in February told CTV News that they didn’t receive the last one until April, just days before a trip for which passports were required.

Have you had to cancel travel plans over passport delays? We want to hear from you

So how does one renew or acquire a passport in Canada, and how are those processes currently being affected?

RENEWING A PASSPORT

Only adult passports can be renewed, according to the Canadian government’s website. Those under 16 will need to apply for a new child’s passport instead of a renewal.

Adult passports can only be renewed if they have were issued within the last 15 years, and have the same gender marker, name, date of birth and place of birth as you would like on your new passport. Otherwise, an adult must apply for a new passport.

If you’re still unsure if you qualify for renewal, the government has a quiz you can take on their site to ensure you fit the requirements.

WHAT YOU NEED ON YOUR APPLICATION

All applicants for a renewal need to fill out an application form (which can be found online) , have passport photos taken, and find two references who are not a family member and who have known you for at least two years. They also can’t be a spouse or common-law partner, or anyone related to a spouse or common-law partner, and they must be older than 18 and agree to you using their name and contact information on your application.

The photographer who takes the passport photos must write their name, their complete address and the date when the photos were taken on the back of one of the photos.

You must also turn in your old passport with the application, with the exception of cases in which it was lost or stolen.

This is a new development – prior to last month, if your passport was stolen, lost or had expired more than a year ago, you would have to apply for a new passport. Part of this was because the renewal application asks for the date your passport was issued, as well as the expiration date and the passport number, which many would not know without their old passport at hand. But at the end of March, the government announced that if your passport was stolen, lost, damaged, or had expired within the last 15 years, you would now be able to apply for a renewal, which is much simpler than applying for a new passport.

“As international travel resumes, we need to continue to modernize and improve our passport services to make sure we meet the needs of Canadians,” Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said in a press release at the time.

To renew a passport or apply for one, it costs $120 or $160 , depending on whether you are applying for a five or ten year passport.

For those who need a passport quickly, there are additional fees associated with obtaining a passport in under 10 days. If you are required to show proof of travel , this can include an airline ticket, a travel itinerary with proof of payment, or proof of death or illness in the family that requires immediate travel.

“Depending on the reason for your travel, you may need to show further proof that your situation is urgent,” the website states.

APPLYING FOR A NEW PASSPORT

To qualify for a new passport, you must be a Canadian citizen and older than 16 years of age to apply for an adult passport. Children under the age of 16 can receive a child’s passport, which last for a maximum of five years and cannot be renewed.

Always check first to see if you qualify to renew your adult passport, as it is a simpler process than applying for a brand new one.

There are many more requirements for a new passport than for a renewal.

The first thing all applicants need is to fill out a passport application form, which can be found online.

Then you’ll need one piece of proof of Canadian citizenship. Crucially, you have to submit original documents, not photocopies or photos, which will be returned to you once verified. Things that count as proof include a birth certificate if you were born in Canada, a Canadian citizenship certificate, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of registration of birth abroad or a certificate of retention of Canadian citizenship.

There may also be province or territory-specific documents which can be accepted as proof of citizenship. Proof of citizenship can have either your new or old name on it if you are seeking a passport with a new name.

Aside from the proof of citizenship, you also need to provide at least one document proving your identity (more are required if you are changing your name). Documents that count include driver’s licenses, health cards, military IDs, and foreign passports, among others. These should include your name, date of birth, photo and signature, and if you have no one ID with all of these, you can submit more than one piece of ID to fill the gap as long as they have a common element to link them.

A passport application also needs two identical passport photos taken to the proper photo requirements. A detailed list of what makes an acceptable passport photo can be found on the government’s website, but many businesses offer passport photography to cut down the risk of having an improperly formatted picture.

Like with a renewal, you need two references, but you also need a single guarantor. This person can be anyone, including a family member or member of your household, as long as they fit the other requirements.

The guarantor must have known you for at least two years, be available to contact, be a Canadian citizen older than 18, have a five or 10-year Canadian passport of their own and be willing to provide their own passport information.

Your guarantor must sign your application, one of your passport photos and all copies of any supporting identity documents.

Depending on why you are applying for a new passport — such as if you want to omit your place of birth , have changed your name or are updating your gender marker — you may be required to submit other documents pertaining to those issues alongside the base requirements. Details on these extra documents can be found on the government’s website.

WHERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION FOR A NEW PASSPORT OR RENEWAL

The process itself depends on if you are applying for a passport from within Canada or from the U.S. or abroad elsewhere. If you are outside of Canada, you may be able to apply by mail, but otherwise should inquire at the nearest Government of Canada office in the region you are in.

In Canada, there are a few different ways to process an application, and officials recommend different strategies depending on how quickly you require a passport. For far off trips greater than 26 business days or more, you can apply by mail or by either booking an appointment online at a Service Canada Centre or by just walking in if the Service Canada isn’t very busy.

However, Service Canada won’t be of any help if you need a passport acquired or renewed urgently. For those who need a passport within the next two business days, you must apply in person at a passport office — and while some Service Canada locations are consolidated and include a dedicated passport office, many passport offices are separate. A tool online can help you find a passport office near your location.

If you are applying for a new passport urgently, you must provide proof that you require it in two business days or less.

In the case of needing a passport within 3-25 days, officials recommend making an appointment at one of the 35 specialized passport service locations. You must have proof of travel or need, and you can find a list of all of these specialized passport sites in each province on the government’s website.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TRYING TO APPLY NOW

It already sounds like a lot of work, but according to reported delays, it’s particularly difficult right now to acquire or renew a passport.

Some have reported waiting in long lines at passport offices to try and file an application or renewal — something you can avoid by applying early enough in advance. If you apply at least 26 business days in advance, you can attend a Service Canada Centre instead of a specialized passport site.

But if possible, you should try to apply earlier than that to minimize the risk of delays affecting your plans.

According to Service Canada, the standard processing time for regular passport applications submitted in Canada is 10 business days when submitted in person at a passport office and 20 business days when submitted by mail or in person at a Service Canada Centre, not including mailing time.

As of April 18, Employment and Social Development Canada says the average processing time is five and 25 days respectively.

If you have submitted an application over 20 business days ago and still haven’t heard back, there is a tool to check the status of your application.

Get in touch

Have you had to cancel travel plans due to passport processing delays? Email [email protected] .

Please include your name, location, and contact information if you are willing to speak to a journalist with CTV News.
Your comments may be used in a CTVNews.ca story.

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Making Sure Your Canadian Passport is Valid for Travel

Now that changes in international travel restrictions have made it easier for Canadians to go on vacations abroad during the pandemic, you might risk running into this familiar, yet nerve-wracking scenario: you’ve booked your flight, accommodation, all your activities and restaurant reservations for your upcoming trip… only to realize that your passport, although technically not expired, isn’t valid!

Forgetting to or waiting until the last minute to check your passport’s expiry date can lead to unpleasant surprises (situations like being denied entry when boarding a plane or being charged cancellation fees for not being able to proceed with your trip), despite all the trip planning you might’ve already done beforehand. You should never travel with a passport with an expiry date that cuts it a little too close to your planned return date, and certainly not one that’s set to expire while you’re outside of Canada.

The value of your Canadian passport

Canadian passports are generally considered to be among the most powerful in the world–in terms of global mobility—often ranking high on passport indexes . That means Canadian travellers can choose to visit numerous countries without having to worry too much about strict visa requirements.

But that won’t matter if your passport isn’t valid! Even if you aren’t a frequent traveller, it’s your responsibility to make sure that both you and your passport’s validity aren’t pressed for time—always be aware of your passport’s expiry date.

Important: Are you a Canadian dual citizen with two passports? Remember that you can’t travel to or transit through Canada by air with a non-Canadian passport (unless your second passport is a US one). A valid Canadian passport will be required to board your flight.

Checking your Canadian passport’s validity

Each country has their own entry requirements when it comes to passport validity, so check the entry and exit requirements of each country, on the Canadian Government’s Travel Advice and Advisories page. Although these requirements can change at any time, as a general rule of thumb, plan to have your passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date of your trip. If your passport’s expiry date falls short of the required timeframe, you might already want to renew your passport ahead of time, in order to account for processing time and possible delays. Depending on where you’re applying from (whether Canada, US, or other countries), the steps to renew your Canadian passport might differ.

Note : Rush services are available, but the fees are expensive, and proof of your emergency is required. The quickest turnaround times to process passport renewals are typically between June and November.

Keep in mind 3 things when checking passport validity requirements for your destination:

Airlines have the right to turn you away if your passport doesn’t meet the validity requirement(s).
Along with your final destination, you’ll also need to take the validity requirements of any layover or transit destinations into account.
In case a country’s requirements aren’t clearly stated,  check in with the country’s embassy , consulate or transportation company to confirm the rules and regulations related to passport validity.

Crossing the US border with a valid passport

Before the pandemic, many Canadians travelled back and forth across the border without a second thought. As border regulations continue to ease up, and your cross-border shopping trips resume, it’s important to remember to check your passport’s validity just like you would for any other international destination, even if it’s just for quick 2-day trips .

Tip : Want to see a record of your US trips in a database? Make sure you track your border crossing history accurately each time you cross.

My passport won’t expire anytime soon. What’s next?

So, you’ve checked that your Canadian passport is in fact still valid for the next little while—again, around 6 months as a general rule of thumb—or you’ve just recently renewed it. With a sigh of relief and a little more breathing room for solidifying your trip dates (having extra time will also help you in preparing for unforeseen changes to your plans, like extending your vacation ), you can go back to planning your trip. Now it’s time to consider another essential way to secure your travel plans: protecting yourself and, if not travelling alone, your travel companion(s) with travel insurance. If you’re a stranger to its many advantages and benefits, read on to understand how emergency medical travel insurance should cover travellers .

Safe travels,

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2016 and has been updated for freshness and/or accuracy.

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very helpful:

I live in the UK and hold a Canadian passport. I want to travel to Canada this November and my passport will only have 3 months validity. Is this enough?

Hi Lorriane, Here’s some information about entering Canada, whether you’re returning home or visiting ( https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/entering-canada ). As long as your passport has not expired at the time of entry, it will still be valid – but Government of Canada always recommends that you renew your passport at your earliest convenience to avoid any issues when travelling. If you’re a dual citizen, take note of the new entry requirements along with some tips for travelling safely with two passports ( http://blog.tugo.com/en/blog/new-entry-requirement-for-dual-canadian-citizens-flying-to-canada/ ). Hope this answers your query! Happy travels, Shweta

Thanks Shweta.

I am leaving for a cruise this November from canada to Florida grand turk curucoa and aruba my passport expires in feburary is it still safe to travel?

Hi Angela, Thanks for your comment! Yes, it’s still safe to travel, as both destinations only require your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay. Let me know if you have any other questions! Cheers, Linnea

hi i’m leaving for Washington this December from Canada and my passport expires in January is it still safe to travel?

Hi Sarah, Yes, it’s still safe to travel, as long as your passport is valid until your expected return date. Hope that helps! Cheers, Linnea

Hi Maher, Although information on travelling to Tunisia is readily available here https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/tunisia , travelling to Canada from Tunisia requires a little more info. I suggest contacting the Government of Canada’s 1-800-O-Canada line (1-800-622-6232). Cheers, Linnea

Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about Canadian passports.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you the correct information, it is provided on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Canada Passport Help does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any of the information provided.

Do i need a passport to travel.

Yes, if you are traveling by air or by car between any country you must have a valid passport.

Entry requirements for each country vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel. Before traveling, check with your transportation company about your destination country’s passport requirements.

How long is a Canadian passport valid?

An adult Canadian passport is valid for 5 or 10 years. A child’s passport is valid for 5 years.

Can I apply for a passport at a Canadian consulate or embassy in the USA?

Canadian consulates in the USA do not provide passport services anymore. In case of emergencies, some Canadian Consulates in the US may issue a temporary passport so you can travel back into Canada.

How much does it cost to apply for a passport from the U.S.A?*

Adult 5-year passport $190
Adult 10-year passport $260
Child passport $100

* Prices shown are for application fees only and do not include the cost of services provided by CanadaPassportHelp.ca

When should I renew my Passport?

You should renew your passport if:

Your current passport was issued within 15 years of the date you apply for your renewal;
Your passport is expiring in the next 6 months;
Your passport pages are full;
To renew your US visa or residency your passport must be renewed;

What is the requirement for renewing a Canadian Passport?

You may renew your passport if:

The information (name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth) on your current passport does not need to be changed;
Your current passport was/is valid for five (5) or ten years;
You were at least 16 years of age when you obtained your current passport;
You have your actual or a copy of your current passport;

If you do not meet any of the above requirements you should apply for a new adult passport.

How long will it take to get my passport after I apply?

Processing times vary depending on the volume of applications. The average government processing time for an application submitted from the USA is 4 weeks (20 working days).

Who can I use as references on my passport application?

Any two persons who are NOT a family member or relative and who have known you for at least 2 years. Your references may be contacted by Passport Canada to confirm your identity.

What is a guarantor?

If you are applying for a new Canadian Passport you will need a guarantor to confirm your identity.

The guarantor must:

be able to communicate in English or French;
Have known you personally for at least two (2) years. Meaning that the guarantor is able to confirm aspects of the applicant’s personal attributes such as name, approximate age, place of birth, physical description, and some personal history such as occupation and place of residence.
Be accessible to Passport Canada for verification.

What does a guarantor do?

Your guarantor must perform the following three (3) tasks free of charge:

Complete and sign the “Declaration of Guarantor” section of the passport application form;
Write, “I certify this to be a true likeness of (your name)” on the back of one of the passport photos and sign it;
Sign and date a copy of each document to support your identity.

Who can act as my guarantor?

In regard to guarantor there are three options:

Option 1 – Canadian Guarantor: The guarantor should be a Canadian Citizen holding a valid Canadian Passport.

Option 2 – Professional-US Guarantor: A professional should be a Canadian or US citizen currently working and/or residing in the USA. The guarantor must be currently registered/licensed with the appropriate local authority to practice one (1) of the following professions:

Medical doctor
Veterinarian
Dean/head of university or college
Lawyer/notary
A notary public (the notarial seal must appear on the application form)
Police officer, judge, magistrate
signing officer of a bank or trust company, or of a financial institution that offers the full range of banking services (cash withdrawals, deposits, and savings)

Option 3 – No Guarantor: If you have not known an eligible guarantor for at least two (2) years, you must complete Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor. The form must be completed by you and a person authorized by law (lawyer or notary public) to administer an oath or solemn affirmation. This may delay the processing time of the passport.

Do I need to send in my birth certificate or my citizenship card/certificate when applying for a passport?

You do not mail your birth certificate or citizenship card/certificate when you are renewing your passport. However, you must send in your current valid passport.

However, if you are applying for a new Canadian passport , you need to submit the original copy of your proof of Canadian Citizenship (e.g. Canadian Birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate/card).

What if I do not have my original birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate/card?

To be eligible for a Canadian Passport you must have proof of Canadian Citizenship. This includes a birth certificate issued by a province or a Canadian Citizenship certificate/card issued by the Federal Government. If you don’t have your birth certificate or your citizenship card we could help you to obtain one.

Are Canadian passport photos the same as U.S. passport photos?

No, Canadian Passport pictures must be based on Canadian bio-metric standards.

If you have any questions you can also contact us .

How long can you use a passport after it expires?

How long can you use an expired passport, is an expired passport ok, can you travel with a passport that expires in 1 month, does canada have a 6 month passport rule, how long do you have to renew your passport after it expires.

Can I go back to my country with less than 6 months passport?

What countries require 6 months on passport, can i travel with a passport that expires in less than 3 months, can i use my passport 2 weeks before it expires, can you travel while your passport is being renewed, can i use my old passport while i'm waiting for my new one, how long does it take to get a passport renewed, why can't you travel if your passport expires in 6 months, can i renew my passport online, how does the 90 days rule work with 2 passports, does your passport have to be 6 months in date to travel, can a us citizen enter the us without a passport, what is the quickest time to renew a passport.

Routine: 6 to 9 weeks*
Expedited: Costs an extra $60. Takes 3 to 5 weeks.*
Expedited at Agency or Center: Must have international travel in the next 14 calendar days.

Is it quicker to renew a passport?

What is the current waiting time for a replacement passport, how do i get a passport quickly, can i return to my home country with an expired passport, what happens if my passport expires before my flight, can i get a temporary passport.

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How Long Does My Passport Have to Be Valid For When Visiting the U.S.?

My husband and I are planning for our winter in Florida and my passport expires in June, 2020. I always thought my passport had to be valid for 6 months after my return date to Canada, but a friend recently told me that it only has to be valid until my return date. Can you please confirm if this is true?

Your friend is correct that your Canadian passport only has to be valid for the duration of your stay in the U.S.

However , we have heard reports that some U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are unfamiliar with this exemption and are requiring passports to be valid for 6 months after your expected return date.

Accordingly, whenever possible we suggest travelling to the U.S. with a passport that is valid for 6 months after your expected return date to Canada.

If you do decide to travel with a passport that has an earlier expiry date and you run into trouble at the border, you may want to try politely directing the CBP agent to the directive on the CBP website that states Canadian passports only need to be valid for the duration of your stay in the U.S. Learn more here.

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Guide to the 6-month passport rule — what is it?

Editor's Note

It may sound trivial, but one of the best rules you can follow as an international traveler is to remember to check your passport validity before you book flights and hotels.

Why? Because the requirements for entry differ from country to country. In the midst of planning my 2024 travel, I realized my U.S. passport expires in April, which could mess with my plans abroad.

Thankfully, I use a travel checklist to avoid disruptions to my travel itinerary.

I immediately started the passport renewal process online and had my photo taken at my local Walgreens — although you can DIY your passport photo if you prefer — so I could send out my application as quickly as possible. I also opted to expedite the processing time for an additional $60 fee and sent my application on its way.

If you're also in the middle of planning 2024 travel or simply want to know the ideal time to begin getting ready to renew your passport, the TPG team has you covered.

We collected information from the U.S. Department of State website and the United Kingdom's government website to create a one-stop cheat sheet examining a range of nations that typically require you to have a passport that lasts longer than your trip — whether by one, three or six months.

Note that certain countries deviate from the standard six-month requirement. These findings are also only related to passport validity dates — we're not covering visa requirements here. Those can vary depending on where you're going and where you're coming from.

Schengen countries in Europe

Many European countries are signers of the Schengen Agreement . As a result, they follow the 3+3 Rule, meaning your passport must be valid for three months beyond your three-month entry visa or for a total of six months, regardless of the duration of your initial stay.

While some Schengen countries only require passports to be valid for three months beyond your intended stay, others assume you may stay the full 90 days of your visa validity — thus the six-month time period.

The signers of the Schengen Agreement are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania will join the group March 31, 2024.

The countries listed below abide by the usual six months of passport validity unless otherwise noted.

Non-Schengen countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East

Abide by the usual 6 months of passport validity.

Bosnia-Herzegovina
New Caledonia
North Korea
Saudi Arabia
Turkmenistan
Turkey (British passports must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive in the country)
United Arab Emirates
West Bank/Gaza Strip

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond the scheduled departure date

Passport must be valid 1 month beyond the date of your intended stay, passport only needs to be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

Central African Republic
Cote d'Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Morocco (British passports must be valid for at least three months on the date of entry)
Sao Tome and Principe
South Africa (passports must also have 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from the country)
South Sudan

Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda
Dominican Republic
Trinidad and Tobago

Central and South America

El Salvador

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond arrival

Brazil (British passports need to be valid six months beyond arrival)

South Pacific

American Samoa
French Polynesia
Marshall Islands
Papua New Guinea
New Zealand

Bottom line

When examining the rules, note that some countries have a slight distinction: They may require validity to be either six months from the date of entry or six months from the date of intended departure . For simplicity, we've taken the conservative approach and assumed that for any country with a six-month rule, like most of the ones above, you should ensure your passport is valid six months past the date of intended departure just in case.

Of course, the list above only includes just a few popular destinations worldwide. If your intended destination isn't on the list, it's always best to check with your relevant passport issuer.

Can I Enter Canada With an Expired Canadian Passport

Have you ever been in a situation where you want to travel only to realize you haven’t renewed your expired passport?

This can happen to anyone and gush, it can be as annoying as anything. Being stranded at the port of entry is something no traveler wants to witness.

If you’re planning on traveling with an expired passport and wondering if you can still enter Canada, don’t sweat it yet, because there is a chance for you.

Whether you’re planning a spontaneous trip or just forgot to renew your passport, the last thing you want is to be hauled up at the border.

So, if you are asking the question “can I enter Canada with an expired Canadian passport?” The answer is not as simple as a yes or no, as it depends on various factors.

I’ll explain

Can I enter Canada with an expired Canadian passport?

You can enter Canada with an expired passport under very rare circumstances such as when you’ve:

An Emergency Travel Document
Valid Government-issued ID
Dual citizenship
Diplomatic passport
If you are returning Canadian Armed Forces Personnel
Returning from the United States or a U.S. Territory
Non-Canadian spouse or dependent of a Canadian Citizen

Aside from these options, you may not be allowed into Canada without a valid passport.

Emergency Travel Document (ETD).

If you have a genuine emergency and need to travel immediately, you can apply for an ETD at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

ETDs are temporary travel documents issued to Canadian citizens who don’t have valid passports and need to return to Canada urgently.

ETDs are generally only issued in extreme circumstances, such as a medical emergency or the death of a family member.

If you’re traveling by land, you may be able to enter Canada with a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

However, this option is not available for air or sea travel, and it’s crucial to check with Canadian immigration authorities before attempting to cross the border.

If you have a NEXUS card, which is a trusted traveler program that allows expedited processing at the border, you may be able to enter Canada with an expired passport.

However, it’s recommended to check with Canadian authorities before attempting to cross the border using the method, as this option may not always be available.

If you hold dual citizenship with a country that has a visa-exempt agreement with Canada, you can enter Canada using your other passport, but you’ll still need to prove your Canadian citizenship.

It’s essential to note that this option is only available for visa-exempt countries and may not be available for all situations.

You can enter Canada using your diplomatic passport if you’re a diplomat or government official.

However, this option is only available for individuals with a diplomatic passport, and you may need to check with the authorities before following this route.

Returning Canadian Armed Forces Personnel

If you’re a Canadian Armed Forces member and returning to Canada from an assignment, you may be allowed to enter with an expired passport.

However, this option is only available for members of the Canadian Armed Forces and may not be available for all situations.

Returning from the United States

If you’re returning from the United States by land or sea, you may be able to enter Canada with an expired passport if you meet specific requirements, such as proving your Canadian citizenship.

This option is only available for land or sea travel from the United States and not in all situations.

If you’re returning from a U.S. territory, such as Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you may be able to enter Canada with an expired passport if you have proof of citizenship.

However, this option is only available for travel from U.S. territories and they are not open all the time.

If you’re a non-Canadian spouse or dependent of a Canadian citizen, you may be able to enter Canada with an expired passport if you have proof of your relationship and citizenship.

But, this option is only available for non-Canadian spouses or dependents of Canadian citizens.

Special circumstances

In rare cases, Canadian border officials may use discretion to allow entry for individuals with an expired passport due to unique circumstances, such as a medical emergency or other extenuating circumstances.

However, this option is only available for exceptional circumstances.

These are the options where you can enter Canada with an expired Canadian passport but these travel options may not always be available to you.

Therefore, it’s crucial to check with Canadian immigration authorities before attempting to use any of these means to cross the country’s border without a passport.

Can I travel back to Canada without a Canadian passport?

You can travel back to Canada without a Canadian passport if you are from a country with agreements with Canada that allow citizens to enter Canada using other travel documents, such as a national identity card or a refugee travel document.

If you are a Canadian citizen, you cannot enter Canada without a valid Canadian passport.

Canadian citizens are required to carry a valid Canadian passport when entering Canada by air, and may also be required to present a passport when entering Canada by land or sea.

If you are unsure about your specific circumstances, it is recommended that you contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for guidance on the entry requirements for your particular situation.

What can I use instead of a passport to get into Canada?

You can use your NEXUS card, Border Crossing card, or FAST card, Trusted Traveler documents, Certificate of Indian Status, or refugee travel documents instead of a passport to get into Canada if your circumstances allow it.

Minimum passport validity to enter Canada

There is no specific minimum passport validity requirement to enter Canada beyond the requirement that the passport must be valid for the entirety of your stay in Canada.

If you are entering Canada, Canadian authorities require that your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada.

To be on the best side, it is recommended that you ensure your passports have at least six months’ validity beyond the date of your planned departure from Canada, as some airlines and countries may require this as a condition of entry or transit.

Canadian citizens returning to Canada

If you’re a Canadian citizen returning to Canada, you’ll need to have a valid Canadian passport to enter the country.

The Canadian government requires all Canadian citizens, including those with dual citizenship, to use a Canadian passport when entering Canada.

When you arrive in Canada, you’ll need to present your Canadian passport to the border services officer.

You may also be asked some questions about your trip, such as where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing while you were away.

It’s essential to answer these questions truthfully and accurately.

If you have been outside of Canada for an extended time, you may need to pay duties or taxes on goods that you are bringing back with you.

It’s always a good idea to check the Canadian Border Services Agency website or contact them directly to ensure you have all the necessary information before you return to Canada.

Overall, returning to Canada as a Canadian citizen is a straightforward process, as long as you have a valid Canadian passport and any necessary documentation for your travel companions.

Can a Canadian enter Canada with a different passport?

No, a Canadian citizen cannot enter Canada with a different passport. Canadian citizens are required to use a valid Canadian passport to enter Canada.

If you’re a Canadian citizen and you’ve another passport, you may use it to travel to other countries, but when entering Canada, you must present a valid Canadian passport.

Can I enter Canada with less than 6 months on my passport?

You can enter Canada with less than 6 months’ validity on your passport, but it’s important to check with the Canadian embassy or consulate, as well as your airline, to confirm the specific entry requirements and any passport validity requirements that may apply to your country or situation.

How long do you need on a passport to travel to Canada?

There is no specific minimum validity requirement beyond the requirement that the passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada but it is recommended that your passports have at least six months of validity beyond the date of your planned departure from Canada.

Can I travel to Canada with 7 months left on my passport?

Yes, you can travel to Canada with 7 months left on your passport because there is no specific minimum passport validity requirement to enter Canada.

Having 7 months left on your passport is sufficient for entry into Canada.

However, it’s always a good idea to check with the Canadian embassy, as well as your airline, to confirm the specific entry requirements and any passport validity requirements that may apply to your particular situation.

Additionally, if you’re traveling to Canada by air, you may be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before you travel, regardless of the validity of your passport.

Can I enter Canada with a passport about to expire?

You can enter Canada with a passport about to expire but you must ensure it doesn’t expire before your time in Canada elapses.

If your passport is about to expire and you’re planning to travel to Canada, it’s advisable to renew your passport before your trip.

If you’re unable to renew your passport in time, you may be denied entry to Canada if the validity won’t cover your stay in Canada.

Can I enter the U.S. with a Canadian passport?

Yes, Canadian citizens can enter the United States with a valid Canadian passport. As a Canadian citizen, you are eligible to enter the United States under the terms of the U.S.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allows citizens of certain countries, including Canada, to enter the U.S. for up to 90 days for business or pleasure without a visa.

To enter the U.S. with a Canadian passport under the VWP, you’ll need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online before your trip.

The ESTA is a simple online process that is usually granted within minutes of application.

It’s important to note that having an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the U.S.

Customs and Border Protection officers have the final authority to determine whether a traveler is admissible.

Can a child travel to Canada with a birth certificate?

Yes, a child can travel to Canada with a birth certificate as proof of identity and citizenship.

Children who are under 16 years old and who are traveling to Canada by land or sea may present an original or a copy of their birth certificate, along with a government-issued identification card.

Entering Canada without a valid passport isn’t advisable under any circumstances

However, in some exceptional cases, you may be allowed entry under specific circumstances.

You can enter Canada with an expired passport