If you are planning a trip, your passport is one of the most important items on your checklist. Yet, many Canadians forget to renew their passports in time, leading to unnecessary stress and last-minute scrambling near their travel dates. Here’s a guide to help you to stay on top of your passport renewal and understand what to do if you lose your passport.
When Should I Renew My Passport?
Although your passport is valid until its expiry date, you should renew it well in advance—especially if you have upcoming international travel planned. It is important to note that many countries require that your passport be valid for three to six months beyond your date of return. While Canadian citizens do not need to have their passports valid for six months if they want to travel to the US and only need to have their passports valid up until the date of their intended departure, the same benefit may not be available for travels to other countries. This means that if your passport is nearing its expiration date or it may expire shortly after your proposed travel return date, you may be denied entry to the country you plan to travel to, even if you are just transiting through the country. Each country also has its own entry requirements, so it is crucial to check the entry and exit requirements for all countries you plan to visit and check your passport to see whether its expiry date may prevent you from travelling!
Renewing your passport well in advance of its expiration will allow you avoid these headaches and maintain a peace of mind while travelling. With service standard times ranging from 10 to 20 business days (excluding mailing time) for Canadians, leaving it until the last minute is not worth the risk.
Emergency Weekend, Urgent, or Express Passport Service
If there are less than 10 days until your travels and you are just learning that your passport expiration date may prevent you from travelling, you may consider renewing your passports via emergency, urgent, or express service.
- If you need your passport on a weekend or on a statutory holiday, apply for “emergency weekend” passport services
- If you need your passport renewed by the end of the next business day, apply for “urgent pick-up” passport services
- If you need your passport renewed within 2 to 9 business days, apply for “express pick-up” passport services
For information on the requisite application forms and instructions, please visit the guidelines available on the official Government of Canada website.
Loss or Stolen Passports: What do I do?
If you lost your passport while you’re travelling, it is crucial to act quickly to minimize your inconvenience. If you are in Canada or the United States when your found out that your passport is lost or stolen, make sure to take the following steps:
- Contact the Passport Office at 1-800-567-6868 to report the loss or theft as soon as possible.
- Check if you are eligible to renew your passport. If you are not eligible, apply for a new passport.
- If you are eligible to renew your passport, apply for a replacement. In addition to paying the regular fees and the extra $45 fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport, remember to submit a Declaration Concerning a Lost, Stolen, Inaccessible, Damaged, or Found Canadian Travel Document with the rest of your application
If you are outside Canada and the United States, contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for assistance. Canadian government offices abroad can issue you an emergency travel document to help you return to Canada.
Renewing your passport isn’t just a routine task—it is an essential step in ensuring your travels go smoothly. Whether you are planning a dream vacation, visiting loved ones for the upcoming winter holidays, or handling an unexpected trip, keeping track of your passport expiration dates and following the proper renewal steps can help you avoid unnecessary passport-related travel stress.
If you have any questions about renewing your passport or need help with travel documentation, please contact us.
