Canada’s passport remains among the strongest in the world for travel without a visa. In the latest global passport index released by Henley and Partners, Canada moved up to seventh place, giving Canadian passport holders access to 182 destinations without needing a visa beforehand. Global News
Canadians will soon pay slightly more for passports and other travel documents. The federal government announced that new fees will take effect on March 31, bringing small increases to most passport services across the country.
Officials say the adjustment reflects rising costs and inflation. The new prices also align with rules under the Service Fees Act, which allows certain government service charges to rise over time.
Government officials explained that the updated fees will help maintain reliable passport services for travellers.
“Canadians rely on secure, timely passport services when they need to travel. To continue delivering reliable service and keep pace with rising costs, most passport and travel document fees will increase on March 31, 2026,” the Government of Canada says on its website.
“The adjustment reflects inflation and the growing cost of producing secure travel documents and supporting Canadians throughout the application process.”
This marks the first increase in Canadian passport fees since 2013.
New Passport Prices in Canada
For Canadians applying within the country, the price increases remain relatively small.
The cost of a 10-year adult passport will rise from $160 to $163.50.
A five-year adult passport will increase from $120 to $122.50.
Parents applying for passports for children will also see a small increase. A five-year child passport will now cost $58.50, up from $57.
Although the changes amount to only a few dollars, the government says the updates help cover the cost of producing secure travel documents and maintaining passport services.
Higher Fees for Canadians Abroad
Canadians living outside the country will also see higher passport fees.
A 10-year adult passport issued abroad will rise from $260 to $266.25.
The cost of a five-year adult passport outside Canada will increase from $190 to $194.25.
For children outside Canada, the price of a five-year passport will increase from $100 to $102.50.
Other travel documents will also cost more. An adult refugee travel document will now cost $122.50, up from $120.
Meanwhile, an adult certificate of identity will rise from $260 to $266.25.
Urgent and Weekend Services Cost More
Canadians who need their passport quickly will face larger increases.
The fee for urgent passport processing will rise from $110 to $125.75.
If applicants request passport processing on a statutory holiday or weekend, the cost will jump from $335 to $383.50.
These services allow travellers to receive documents quickly when facing unexpected travel plans or emergencies.
Annual Fee Adjustments Possible
Officials note that the Service Fees Act allows certain government service fees to change each year based on inflation.
As a result, passport and travel document prices may continue to adjust over time.
The government says these changes ensure services remain financially sustainable while maintaining high security standards for Canadian travel documents.
New Processing Guarantee for Canadians
Alongside the fee increase, the government plans to introduce a new processing commitment.
Beginning April 1, 2026, officials will guarantee that complete passport applications will be processed within 30 business days.
“In order to provide a simpler and more predictable experience for Canadians, the Government of Canada is strengthening accountability and efficiency for passport services,” the government says.
“Starting April 1, 2026, complete passport applications will be processed within 30 business days or they will be free.”
If the government fails to meet this timeline, applicants will receive a refund automatically. Travellers will not need to submit a request to receive the reimbursement.
The service guarantee first appeared in a federal announcement in March 2025 and aims to improve passport processing following delays in previous years.
