Passport and Passport photo

Passport and passport photo

Passport

This is the only document that proves that you are a Canadian citizen and that you have the right to return to Canada.

Always check the expiry date of your passport and allow enough time when applying for or renewing one.

Validity period

Some countries require that your passport be valid for a period of up to six months beyond your arrival. During your preparations, you should therefore consult the diplomatic mission of the country you are planning on visiting. Moreover, Passport Canada recommends that your passport be valid beyond your scheduled return date.

Passport renewal: Simplified Passport Renewal Program 

Since August 15, 2007, Canadians living in Canada who meet certain eligibility criteria can renew their passport through the Simplified Passport Renewal Process. More details on Passport Canada Website.

Travel: Canada – United States

Air travel

All citizens (including Canadians and Americans) travelling to, through or from the United States by air are required to have valid passports.

Travelling by land or sea

Since June 1, 2009, a valid passport or another approved secure document such as an enhanced driver's licence is required from all Canadian citizens who enter the United States by land or water.

Therefore, a birth certificate or a Canadian citizenship card accompanied by valid photo identification that shows that you are eligible to re-enter Canada is no longer accepted.

However, there are exceptions to this new obligation for Canadian citizens 18 years of age or under who meet certain criteria and all Canadian citizens 15 years of age or under.

Travel: Canada – Mexico

Passport mandatory as of March 1, 2010

As stated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada about Mexico: "As of that date (March 1, 2010), Canadian citizens, including those with dual nationality, will be required to present a valid passport in order to enter Mexico. Canadians without a valid passport will be returned to Canada." 

You can find CAA-Québec tips and tricks on the page "Advice for crossing borders".

Passport photo

Over the past years, several countries around the world, including Canada and the United States, have introduced more stringent security criteria. The many measures adopted include changes to passport photography standards. Passport Canada has established a series of new directives pursuant to its commitment to respecting the most stringent security standards in the world. Your CAA-Quebec Service Centre is fully equipped to meet these new requirements.

New equipment

The latest-generation digital cameras newly installed in all CAA-Quebec Service Centres guarantee that you’ll receive your photo quickly and that it will meet all of the updated standards.

New criteria

You may have heard that we’re no longer allowed to smile for our passport photos—but did you know that there are now more than 20 other criteria that must be respected? CAA-Quebec knows them. So when you visit one of our Service Centres to have your photo taken, you can be assured that there will be no delay in issuing your passport because of a non-compliant photo.

And when you have your passport photo taken at your nearest CAA-Quebec Service Centre, you’ll also be able to prepare for all aspects of your trip, since we offer multiple services under one roof!

Savings for members

CAA-Quebec colour passport photos—an affordable choice!

Price : $11.95 (plus taxes)

25 % rebate in CAA-Quebec Dollars*

For more information about the new passport photo standards, visit the Passport Canada Web site.

* Exclusive to CAA-Quebec members. Applicable on the pre-tax price of items sold at the CAA-Quebec Boutique or ordered by telephone, excluding travel agency products (packages, escorted tours, cruises, air tickets, car or hotel reservation, amusement parks tickets, International Driving Permit, traveller’s cheque and insurance). Valid in the Province of Quebec only. Details at service centres.