Passport and visas
Passport and visas quick links
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 recognize proof of your citizenship and identity that is 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! ePassport coming in 2012
An ePassport (also known as a biometric passport) looks like a traditional passport book, but it contains an electronic chip that is encoded with the same information found on page 2 of the current passport (surname, given name, date of birth, place of birth and gender). It also includes a digital picture of the bearer's face. These new passports will be issued in Canada starting in 2012, and are already in use in other countries in Europe and in the United States. Passports that do not contain an electronic chip will be valid until they expire.
The proposed new rate for a 5-year ePassport is $120 and the new 10-year ePassport will cost $160.
Canadians will have the option of getting a new, security-enhanced passport that is valid for five years, starting next year, or a 10-year passport, starting in early 2013.
Children and passports
Children are now required to have their own passports regardless of their age.
Also, to protect Canadian children against child abduction and to further enhance the security of the Canadian passport program, Passport Canada will require travel document applications for children under 16 years of age be accompanied by proof of parentage documentation. This takes effect on December 1, 2011.
ID requirements for Canadians travelling to and from the United States
By Air
- Canadian citizens are now required to present a valid passport when travelling by air between Canada and the United States. This includes Canadians travelling on a cruise and who are flying into or through the United States.
Land and Water Travel to the United States
If you travel to the United States by land or water, you must present one of the following valid documents as part of the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements:
- a valid passport;
- a NEXUS card;
- a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card; or
- an enhanced driver’s licence/enhanced identification card (from a province or territory where available).
Only proof of Canadian citizenship, such as an original or photocopy of a birth certificate or citizenship card, is required for
- children aged 15 and under; and
- citizens aged 18 and under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent
Canadian citizens flying to, through or from the U.S. must still present a valid passport. This requirement applies to all travellers, regardless of age.
Read more information on U.S. entry requirements for Canadian citizens
ID requirements for Canadians travelling in Canada
New Identity Screening Regulations require all passengers planning to travel on Canadian domestic flights, who appear to be 12 years of age or older, to present the following ID before boarding:
- 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
As of March 1st, 2010, 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.
- Call your AMA Travel counsellor or
- The Embassy or Consulate of Mexico in Canada
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.
