If you are planning an international trip, renew your Canadian passport well before booking non-refundable flights or hotels, ideally when it has less than a year of validity left. As of 2026, a 10-year adult passport costs $163.50 and a 5-year passport $122.50 when you apply in Canada, and Ottawa has committed to processing complete applications within 30 business days. Many destinations, especially in Asia, expect your passport to be valid for at least six months after you arrive, so an expiry date that seems far away can still stop you at the airport.
Quick answer: check your expiry date now, renew if you have less than 12 months left before a big trip, and allow at least six weeks unless you pay for faster service.
Why expiry dates matter more than you think
Your passport might be valid on the day you fly, yet you can still be refused boarding. Many countries require a minimum remaining validity, often six months beyond your arrival or departure date, plus blank pages for stamps. Airlines check this at check-in because they must fly you home at their own cost if you are refused entry. Destinations popular with Canadians in Asia, such as Thailand, Indonesia (Bali) and India, are known for applying strict validity rules. Always check the entry requirements for your destination on the official Government of Canada travel advice and advisories page.
2026 passport fees in Canada
| Passport type | Fee (applying in Canada) |
|---|---|
| Adult, 10-year | $163.50 |
| Adult, 5-year | $122.50 |
These fees apply to applications received on or after March 31, 2026, and fees are now set to increase periodically. Urgent and express services cost extra. Confirm current fees on canada.ca before you apply.
Renewal vs new application
Renewing is simpler than applying for the first time: you generally do not need a guarantor, proof of citizenship or supporting identification. Child passports cannot be renewed, so every child needs a new application when their passport expires. Eligibility conditions apply to adult renewals, so use the official renew an adult passport page to check whether you qualify.
Renewing online
Online renewal is available to many adults who meet the eligibility criteria and who need their passport in 20 business days or more. It saves a trip to an office and lets you upload your photo digitally. If your travel date is closer than that, apply in person instead.
How long it takes in 2026
Starting April 1, 2026, the government committed to processing complete passport applications within 30 business days, with an automatic refund if it takes longer. Thirty business days is roughly six weeks, so plan accordingly. If your trip is sooner, passport offices offer faster paid options, including urgent and express service, in specific locations and with proof of travel. Do not rely on last-minute services during busy seasons.
Timeline: when to renew before your trip
- 12 months before departure: check expiry dates for every traveller in your group.
- Before booking: if the passport expires within six months of your return date, renew first.
- At least 8 weeks before: submit your renewal online or by mail to allow processing plus delivery.
- 4 to 6 weeks before: apply for any visa or e-visa that needs your new passport number.
- 2 weeks before: confirm airline and hotel bookings match your new passport details.
Do not forget visas linked to your old passport
Electronic visas and travel authorizations are often tied to a specific passport number. If you renew after getting a visa, you may need to reapply or update it. For example, an Indian e-Visa is linked to the passport used to apply; see our guide to the India e-Visa for Canadians. Bookings that require passport details, such as some flights, should also be updated.
Pre-trip document checklist
- Passport valid at least six months beyond your return date
- Enough blank pages for your destination
- Visa or e-visa obtained with the correct passport number
- Name on tickets exactly matching the passport
- Photocopy or secure digital copy of your passport
- Travel insurance details; see travel insurance for Canadians
- Registration with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service, if you wish
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel if my passport expires in four months?
Possibly to some destinations, but many countries and airlines expect six months of validity. Check your destination’s rules on travel.gc.ca and renew if in doubt.
Can I renew a passport that has already expired?
Often yes, if it meets renewal conditions. Otherwise you will need a new application. Check eligibility on canada.ca.
Do I need a new passport after changing my name?
Generally yes, and your tickets must match the name on the passport you travel with. Book under the name on your current valid passport.
Can I keep my old passport?
When you renew, your old passport is usually cancelled. Ask about getting it returned if it contains valid visas you still need.
Final word
A passport problem is one of the few travel issues money cannot fix at the last minute. Check validity before you book, renew early and keep your visas in sync. Then start planning the fun part with our tips on finding cheap flights from Canada.