Canada to Increase Passport Fees from March 31, 2026
Canada will increase fees for passports and other travel documents from 31 March 2026, with the new rates applying to all applications submitted on or after that date.
The revised fees reflect higher administrative costs and inflation. Within Canada, a 10-year adult passport will rise from $160 to $163.50, while a five-year passport will increase from $120 to $122.50.
The fee for a child’s five-year passport will move from $57 to $58.50. Applicants outside Canada will face higher charges. A 10-year adult passport will increase from $260 to $266.25, and a five-year passport from $190 to $194.25. Child passports issued abroad will rise from $100 to $102.50. Certificates of identity will also increase from $260 to $266.25.
The changes coincide with updated citizenship rules introduced in December 2025. These rules allow Canadians born abroad to pass citizenship to children born or adopted outside the country.
Authorities advise affected families to obtain proof of citizenship before travelling to Canada to avoid difficulties at the border. The government will also introduce a new refund policy. From 1 April 2026, completed passport applications must be processed within 30 business days. If this timeframe is not met, applicants will automatically receive a refund. This replaces the current system, where only partial refunds may be issued and claims must be submitted.
The fee increase follows more than a decade without adjustments. While the changes are modest, they will have a greater impact on Canadians applying from abroad, who already pay higher rates. The automatic refund policy introduces a clearer service standard and removes the need for applicants to request compensation for delays.
Officials continue to say that a valid Canadian passport is the most reliable proof of identity and citizenship for international travel. It remains the only document that guarantees re-entry to Canada, including from the United States. Other documents, such as permanent residence cards or citizenship certificates, may support entry but do not replace the passport.
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