Passport and visas

 

Passport and visa

Passport and visas quick links

 
 

Passport Validity Requirements - For Canadians

Your Canadian passport

Regardless where your travels may take you, carrying your valid Canadian passport as identification is the safest way to travel. It is the most recognizable proof of your citizenship and identity accepted in all countries.

Unlike a birth certificate or driver's licence, a passport can be replaced if it is lost or stolen while on your trip. A passport may also be required for financial or legal transactions such as cashing travellers' cheques. Passport photos (free for CAA Plus members) and applications are available at all AMA centres. You may also obtain an application at any passport office, postal outlet, or online.

 
 

New! The ePassport 

Starting on July 1, 2013, all new Canadian passports issued will be electronic passports, or ePassports. At that time, adult applicants will have the option of a 5- or 10-year ePassport for both first-time applications and renewals.  Children's ePassports will be issued for a maximum of 5 years.

The Canadian ePassport will have an electronic chip embedded in the back cover of the book. The chip adds an extra layer of security to the passport and makes it more tamper-proof. The chip in the ePassport stores the same personal information that you see on page 2 of the passport (except for the holder’s signature), the photo and a country-specific digital security feature (or "signature") that proves the passport was issued by the Government of Canada.

The following fees are applicable to applications made in Canada and passports delivered in Canada:  Adult 10-Year Passport $160 CAD, Adult 5-Year Passport (or less) $120 CAD and Children (under age of 16) 5-Year $57 CAD.

See Passport Canada’s website for fees for applications made outside of Canada, expedited services, etc.

Children and passports

All children and babies who travel need their own passport.

Before the child travels, make sure you know the requirements and precautions for travelling with children or for when a child is travelling alone. Extra documentation may be required, such as a birth certificate showing the names of the child's legal parent(s); any legal documents pertaining to custody; a death certificate if one of the parents is deceased; a status document from Citizenship and Immigration Canada; and/or a parental consent letter.

Inquire with AMA Travel about the country you plan to visit. Our knowledgeable consultants will advise you of any entry requirements.

 

ID requirements for Canadians travelling to and from the United States

All travellers, including US and Canadian citizens, must present a valid passport or other approved secure document when entering the United States. Visit the Canada Border Services Agency website for a list of accepted documents for travel to, from or through the United States.

Read more information on U.S. entry requirements for Canadian citizens
 

ID requirements for Canadians travelling in Canada

Before boarding, all passengers planning to travel on domestic flights within Canada who appear to be 18 years of age or older, are to be asked to present:

  • ONE piece of valid government-issued PHOTO ID that shows name, date of birth, and gender (Example: Passport or Drivers License); or  
  • TWO pieces of valid government-issued ID (without a photo), one of which shows name, date of birth, and gender (Example: Birth Certificate along with Government Health Card)
 

Travelling to Mexico

All Canadian citizens need a valid passport to enter Mexico. Canadian citizens without a valid passport will not be allowed entry into Mexico and will be returned to Canada.

For more information:

 

Requirements for other countries and non-Canadians

Some countries require special documentation for entry. We highly recommend that you check the entry requirements for each country. Many countries also require that your passport be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the final date of your trip. If your passport does not meet the validity date requirements, you will need to apply for a new one.

Inquire with AMA Travel about the country you plan to visit. Visa applications can be obtained while arranging your travel plans with AMA Travel. Our knowledgeable consultants will advise you of any entry requirements and help you to process your application.