The Canadian passport holds global respect as one of the most secure and powerful travel documents. For many, it serves as a bridge to reunite with loved ones, an invitation to explore the world, or the culmination of their immigration journey, symbolizing their new Canadian citizenship within a society that cherishes diversity, democracy, freedom, and human rights.
The esteemed Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, along with the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, take immense pride in introducing the revamped Canadian passport. This redesigned passport boasts advanced security features and new artwork, enhancing its reputation as one of the most secure and globally accepted travel documents for all Canadians.
The updated passport incorporates cutting-edge security measures to safeguard Canadians’ identities, such as a polycarbonate data page—similar technology used in Canadian driver’s licenses. Personal information will now be laser-engraved rather than ink-printed, adding durability to the data page and increasing resistance to forgery and tampering. Additional security features include a Kinegram over the primary photo, a unique transparent window with a secondary image of the passport holder, a variable laser image, and temperature-sensitive ink.
The redesigned passport pays homage to Canada’s rich heritage and identity, showcasing iconic imagery of the nation’s natural splendor across the four seasons. It also introduces a new cover design featuring a maple leaf silhouette—the first major change in years. The rollout of the new passport will commence later this summer. Until then, the current passport remains secure and reliable. Canadians with valid passports will only need to renew them as they approach their standard renewal date. Further details about the rollout will be shared at a later stage.
The Canadian Government is also enhancing online service options for Canadians. From later this fall, Canadians can renew their passport, pay associated fees, and upload their photo securely and conveniently online.
Quick facts: In 2019, the Canadian Government awarded a 14-year contract to the Canadian Bank Note Company to design, develop, and roll out the next generation of Canadian passports and travel documents. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has had a long-standing collaboration with the Canadian Bank Note Company.
The Passport Index places the Canadian passport fourth worldwide, offering holders visa-free entry or visa on arrival to over 170 countries (as of April 2023).
The current version of the passport was launched in 2013.
The new polycarbonate data page houses the electronic passport chip in a transparent window on the first page, improving the detection of tampering attempts.
Canada is one of the first Commonwealth countries to introduce a travel document series referencing His Majesty King Charles III.
The new passport retains the former Coat of Arms. The development and production of the new passport began well before His Majesty King Charles III approved the new Coat of Arms in April 2023.
On March 21, 2023, the new online Passport Application Status Checker was introduced, enabling Canadians to verify the status of their passport application online.
