With the school year coming to an end for many families and summer vacations on the horizon, Service Canada is giving Canadians some tips on how to travel with valid passports.

“Many Canadians will travel outside the country in the coming months and need a passport. Service Canada is ready to process applications and deliver passports to Canadians,” says Minister of Citizens’ Services Terry Beech. “We are focused on taking every measure possible to eliminate the need to wait in line and to ensure the best client experience for Canadians.”

Canadians who do not have immediate travel plans can take advantage of 20-business-day passport service, available for applications submitted in person at most Service Canada Centres and scheduled outreach sites, and by mail. Wait times can be shorter at these offices than at passport offices. This 20-business-day processing time does not include mailing time.

For those who need a passport sooner, 39 Service Canada Centres and all passport offices across the country offer 10-business-day service (does not include mailing time). At most of these sites, clients have the option to pick up their passport once it’s ready. 

If a passport is needed in less than 10 business days, Canadians must visit an office that offers urgent or express pick-up services. For more information, visit the Get urgent, express or emergency weekend passport services webpage.

Clients who want information on the status of their submitted passport application can visit the online Passport Application Status Checker. This digital tool allows applicants to get updates on their applications without needing to call or visit Service Canada. Those who applied in person will need the file or reference number from their receipt. For mailed applications or those without a number, clients can request to receive the number at the email that was provided in the application. The status for in-person applications will be available after 5 business days, and 10 business days for mailed applications.

Canadians are also reminded to check the destination’s entry and exit requirements, since the passport may need to be valid for a certain period once they enter or leave the destination. For example, Canadians who are planning to attend the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer will need to have a passport that is valid at least three months beyond the date they expect to return to Canada.

This year, Service Canada will receive a significant number of applications for renewing 10-year validity passports, which were first issued in July 2013. It also issued approximately 33% more passports in fiscal year 2023-2024 than the previous year, and exceeded the performance target by processing 92% of passport applications within service standards. 

Source: Travelweek