Planning a dream vacation only to realize your passport expired the day before your flight sounds like a nightmare. But for some Canadians, it’s a reality.
Travel platform Skyscanner recently identified the most common passport mistakes Canadian travellers make, along with advice from Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s travel expert, on how to avoid them.
And with passport fees having just gone up this week and new processing guarantees now in effect, there’s never been a better time to get your documents in order.
Here’s what to watch out for before your next international trip.
Customs anxiety
Even frequent flyers aren’t immune. According to Skyscanner, 23% of Canadians say they feel anxious at the border — even when they’ve done nothing wrong.
Lindsay says a little prep goes a long way. “Knowing what to expect at the border helps take the anxiety out of the process,” she told Skyscanner.
Reviewing entry requirements for your destination before you leave can make the whole experience a lot less stressful.
The passport photo problem
Nobody loves their passport photo, but 20% of Canadians say theirs is particularly rough. And unfortunately, it follows them on every international trip for years.
With passport fees having just increased for the first time since 2013 (a 10-year adult passport now runs $163.50,), renewing is already on a lot of people’s minds.
Lindsay says if you’re going through the process anyway, make the photo count.
“Since your passport will be with you for years, it’s worth putting a little extra thought into your renewal photo,” she told Skyscanner. “Choose an outfit that photographs well, take care with grooming, and book your appointment when you feel your best.”
Holding onto expired passports
Some Canadians keep old passports for sentimental reasons. Perhaps they like the stamps, memories, or just having a reminder of a different era of their face. But 17% admit the clutter creates real confusion about which one is actually valid.
“Travellers often forget which passport is valid when they’re rushing to pack,” Lindsay says.
Her fix: store expired passports in a completely separate drawer or travel wallet so there’s zero chance of grabbing the wrong one on your way out the door.
Cutting it too close to the expiry date
This is a big one, since 6% of Canadians have experienced travel delays because their passport was close to expiring, Meanwhile, 8% say they have no idea how many months of validity are required for international travel.
Here’s the thing: your passport doesn’t need to be expired to cause problems. More than 70 countries — including popular destinations like Thailand, Turkey, the Dominican Republic, and Singapore — require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, not just your departure date. A passport that looks fine on paper could still get you denied at the gate.
Passport Canada recommends renewing at least six months before your expiry date, and Lindsay echoes that. “Many destinations require six months of validity upon arrival, so renewing early is always the safest option,” she told Skyscanner.
There’s a silver lining on the processing side: as of April 1, if your complete application isn’t processed within 30 business days, you’ll automatically receive a full refund — no forms, no phone calls required. Just note that mailing time doesn’t count toward that window, so factor in a few extra days if you’re applying by mail.
Forgetting your passport entirely
It sounds impossible until it happens to you. According to Skyscanner’s figures, 3% of Canadians have forgotten their passport on the way to the airport.
Lindsay’s advice is simple but easy to skip: “Always pack your passport in your carry-on or travel wallet the night before you leave. Set a phone reminder to double-check before you walk out the door. It’s a simple step that can save you from a major travel headache.”
