The maple leaf marauder!

The Canadian passport, a traveler's pride, stands as a symbol of reliability and international respect.

It’s infused with the essence of Canada’s rich cultural mosaic.

Let’s explore all the nitty-gritty things you should know…

*Disclaimer: All amounts quoted in this article were correct and accurate at the time of publication and may have shifted since.

Canadian Passports: An Overview

Our experts have researched and done the groundwork for you.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Design

Opening a Canadian passport is like walking through an art gallery of national symbols. 

Each page is a tribute to Canada's natural beauty, featuring iconic landscapes and historical figures.

The classic navy blue cover holds the emblematic Canadian coat of arms, radiating dignity and grace.

Biometric Features & Security Enhancements

Canadian passports are at the forefront of security with embedded biometric technology. 

They’re equipped with features like a chip containing the holder's personal data and digital photos, making them a tough nut for fraudsters to crack.

Eligibility for Non-Residents

For non-residents, Canadian citizenship—a prerequisite for obtaining a passport—can be achieved through permanent residency, naturalization, or being born to Canadian parents.

It’s like getting a backstage pass to one of the world’s most welcoming countries!

Dual Citizenship & Passport Issuance

Canada allows dual citizenship, meaning you can enjoy the benefits of a Canadian passport while retaining your original nationality.¹

It's like having 2 flavors of ice cream in 1 cone—twice the taste, double the adventure!

Take note 

While Canada has very open and accepting laws regarding dual citizenship, this isn't necessarily the case for all countries. 

Our advice for individuals seeking Canadian citizenship is to consult their native government or native country’s embassy or consulate for current information regarding the impact on their current citizenship status should they acquire Canadian citizenship.

Important Passport Regulations

A Canadian passport typically has a 10-year validity for adults and 5 years for children.

Keeping it updated and in good condition is crucial; a passport in tatters could lead to travel hiccups! 

Costs & Fees

An adult 10-year passport costs CA$160, while a 5-year one costs CA$120, but the different types of passports have different prices.²

Additionally

For children, the cost is CA$57.

It’s a small price for a document, essentially a ''round-the-world'' ticket.

6 Types of Canadian Passports

Each type of Canadian passport serves a unique purpose, catering to different travel needs and official capacities.

The variety ensures that all Canadian citizens, from government officials to young travelers, have appropriate travel documentation for their specific circumstances.

Take a look below:

Regular Passport

The regular passport is the most common type issued to Canadian citizens for personal travel.

It’s a blue booklet featuring the Canadian coat of arms on the cover and contains 36 pages for visas and entry/exit stamps.

This passport is valid for 5 or 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.

Diplomatic Passport

Issued to individuals representing the Canadian government on official business, the diplomatic passport is a particular document that grants certain privileges and immunities.

It's typically given to diplomats and high-ranking officials who travel internationally for government work.

This passport is easily distinguishable by its red cover.

Special Passport

The special passport, distinct with its green cover, is designated for individuals traveling on official government business who don’t qualify for a diplomatic passport.

This includes government employees and representatives who aren’t diplomats but are engaged in official duties abroad.

Temporary Passport

A temporary passport may be issued in urgent circumstances, usually when a regular passport can’t be obtained on time.

This type of passport is valid for a limited period, sufficient for the duration of the trip, and is often used for immediate travel needs.

Children's Passport

Children’s passports are specifically for Canadian citizens under the age of 16.

These passports are similar to regular passports but have a shorter validity period, usually only 5 years.

Applications for children's passports require consent from parents or guardians.³

ePassport

Introduced in 2013, the ePassport represents the latest evolution in passport technology.

It includes an electronic chip that stores the same personal information found on page 2 of the passport, along with a digital photo of the holder.

The ePassport enhances security and helps expedite the border crossing process.

Power of Canada’s Passport

Ranking consistently high on the Global Passport Index, the Canadian passport symbolizes international mobility and respect.

It’s a key to an exclusive global club!

See below for the specifics. 

Powerful Benefits

Canadian passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries, so this little book is your golden ticket to a world of business, leisure, and cultural exploration.

What's more

Canadian passport holders enjoy permanent, irrevocable status in Canada. 

This is in contrast to permanent residents, whose status can be revoked and who face other responsibilities.⁴ 

Unless they decide to give it up, Canadian passport holders can rely on this permanent status and pass on citizenship to children who are born after their parents become naturalized Canadian citizens.

As the list is endless, here are some extra benefits you might not know about yet:

• Passport holders don't have to maintain communications with Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), unlike permanent residents.
• Those who have completed their citizenship test and ceremony enjoy free admission to all locations run by Parks Canada for their first full year. This includes national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas.
• New Canadian citizens get 1 year of free admission to participating museums, science centers, art galleries, and parks across Canada. This perk applies to new citizens and up to 4 children per visit.

Visa-Free & Visa-On-Arrival Countries

With a Canadian passport, you can breeze through immigration in numerous countries.

It’s your all-access pass to diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and international opportunities.

Visa-free countries include Albania, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, and Aruba.⁵

Additionally

Countries that receive a visa-on-arrival include Azerbaijan (eVisa), Cambodia (visa-on-arrival/eVisa), Kenya (eVisa), Laos (visa-on-arrival/eVisa), and Nepal (visa-on-arrival/eVisa).

Global Ranking

The Canadian passport is a powerhouse in global rankings, offering its holders extensive travel freedom as the 7th globally, according to the Global Passport Index ranking.

It stands tall as a testament to Canada’s strong diplomatic relations and international reputation.

Interesting to note

According to the latest Henley Passport Index, the Canadian passport ranks 8th globally (tied with Greece, Hungary, and Poland).⁶

Canada Passport Renewal Process

Renewing your Canadian passport involves a straightforward process of filling out an application, snapping a photo, and paying a fee.⁷

You can do this at passport offices or by mail, ensuring your gateway to the world is always ready.

The process usually takes between 10 and 20 days.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

With its distinctive design, robust security features, and various types suitable for various travelers, the Canadian passport is a key to international travel.

Its power in terms of international mobility, along with the straightforward processes for application and renewal, makes it a precious document for Canadians.

If you want more information on other passports, read our article on the most popular passports worldwide.

Learn More: World's Most Powerful Passports