Canadians applying for or renewing their passports are experiencing significant changes this April. As of March 31, 2026, passport fees have increased for the first time since 2013, impacting all passport types and related service fees both within Canada and abroad. The fee adjustments reflect accumulated inflation and rising costs associated with producing secure travel documents.
For example, the fee for a 10-year adult passport for Canadians living in Canada has risen from $160 to $163.50, while a 5-year adult passport has increased from $120 to $122.50. Child passport fees have also seen a slight increase. Starting in 2026, Canadians can expect smaller, annual increases that track inflation going forward.
However, alongside the fee increases comes a new benefit for passport applicants. As of April 1, 2026, the federal government is introducing a 30-business-day processing guarantee. If a complete passport application is not processed within this timeframe, applicants will automatically receive a full refund of their fees. This initiative aims to improve service delivery and provide greater predictability for travellers. The processing time begins when a complete application is received and ends when the passport is printed and verified; mailing time is not included.
These changes represent a significant overhaul of Canada's passport program, balancing increased costs with improved service standards. The Canadian passport remains one of the most powerful travel documents globally, ranking 7th, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 182 destinations.
