If you’re dreaming of sun-soaked shores or bustling cities abroad this spring or summer, now’s the time to double-check your Canadian passport because a lesser-known travel rule could impact your plans in a big way.
Passport Canada is now urging Canadians to renew their passports at least six months before their expiry date. That means if your passport’s expiry is December 2025, for example, you should ideally renew it as early as July 2025. While that might seem like a long lead time, there’s a practical reason behind the recommendation.
Many popular international destinations — including places like Thailand, Turkey, China, the Dominican Republic, and Singapore — require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. If it isn’t, you could be denied entry or even stopped from boarding your flight.
This requirement, often referred to as the “six-month rule,” is enforced by over 70 countries. It’s meant to protect travellers from issues like flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or other unexpected events that might delay their return.
So, what does that mean for Canadian travellers? If you’re planning to leave the country in the coming months, it’s best to check your passport’s expiry date now. If your destination follows the six-month rule and your passport doesn’t meet the requirement, you’ll need to renew it before your departure.
If your trip is still a few weeks or months away, you can apply to renew by mail or in person at a Service Canada Centre. However, keep in mind that processing times can vary depending on demand, especially during peak travel seasons.
For anyone travelling within the next two weeks, it’s best to go directly to a passport office that offers urgent or express services. You’ll need proof of travel, and additional fees may apply, but it’s the fastest way to ensure you receive your passport on time. Full details are available on the Government of Canada website.
And here’s some good news: Starting this year, if your complete passport application takes more than 30 business days to process, you’ll get a full refund on the fees.
The change was announced on March 7 by Minister of Citizens’ Services Terry Beech, as part of the government’s first-ever State of Service Report — a new push to make things faster and smoother after the chaotic 2022 passport backlog.
A quick passport check now can help you avoid stressful delays later. Whether you’re heading off to relax on the beach or explore a new city, make sure your passport is ready to go well ahead of your departure.
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