Service Canada Warns Winter Travellers to Check Passport Validity

Service Canada is encouraging Canadians with winter and spring break travel plans to check their passport’s expiration date – because not doing so could disrupt your travel plans.

In a release sent out today, the Minister of Citizens’ Services, Terry Beech, suggested travellers with upcoming plans check their passport validity, as well as the entry and exit requirements for their upcoming destination.

Some popular tourist destinations have minimum passport validity requirements. For example, most European countries (those in the Schengen-area) such as France and Italy require Canadian visas to be valid for three months beyond arrival date regardless of length of trip.

Clients may not be aware of these requirements. It’s always prudent for advisors to check in with travellers well in advance of their departure date in case they’ll need to renew their passport. 

“I strongly recommend that Canadians who wish to travel abroad ensure they have a valid passport as one of the first planning steps,” said Beech. “Check the expiry date of your passport and ensure you are allowed to enter your destination country with it.” 

Canadians can renew passports by mail or in-person at a Service Canada Centre. There are several options to choose from, depending on when the passport is needed:

• No immediate travel plans: Canadians who do not have immediate travel plans can submit their application by mail or in person at any Service Canada Centre, passport office or scheduled outreach site.
• Travel in the coming weeks: Canadians who will travel in the coming weeks can visit a Service Canada Centre or a passport office that processes applications within 10 business days. This does not include the mailing time for the passport. Clients can also choose to pick up their passport once it is ready.
• Travel in less than two weeks: If a passport is needed in less than two weeks, Canadians must visit a passport office that offers urgent or express pick-up services. Proof of travel is required. For more information, visit Get urgent, express or emergency weekend passport services.

To book an appointment at a Service Canada location, visit eServiceCanada.

“Travelling can often be a stressful experience, but getting your passport doesn’t have to be. By planning ahead and identifying the best service options for you, you can get ahead of the busier service times at Service Canada Centres and passport offices,” Beech added.