It will cost more to get a Canadian passport starting March 31

The new Canadian passport is unveiled at an event at the Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Canadians will be paying more for a new passport starting this spring.

The federal government has announced the cost of most passports and travel document fees will increase on March 31, 2026.

“The adjustment reflects inflation and the growing cost of producing secure travel documents and supporting Canadians throughout the application process,” Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a statement Tuesday evening.

For applications made within Canada, the cost of the five-year regular adult passport will increase $2.50 to $122.50, while the price of the 10-year regular adult passport will jump $3.50 to $163.50.

A five-year regular child passport will cost $58.50, up $1.50.

The government says this is the first increase in passport fees since 2013, and fees will now be “adjusted” each year moving forward.

“Under the Service Fees Act, certain government fees are updated annually based on inflation,” the government said.

“Passport and travel document fees will now be adjusted each year in line with this requirement to help maintain sustainable and consistent service over time.”

For Canadians living outside of Canada, the passport application fee for a 10-year adult passport will jump $6.25 to $266.25, while the five-year adult passport fee will increase $4.25 to $194.25.

The government is also increasing the fees for urgent pickup, weekend or statutory holiday service, a temporary passport or an interim passport.

30 days or free

The federal government is also promising your passport application will be processed within 30 business days or it will be free.

“In order to provide a simpler and more predictable experience for Canadians, the Government of Canada is strengthening accountability and efficiency for passport services,” the government said.

“Starting April 1, 2026, complete passport applications will be processed within 30 business days or they will be free. Refunds will be issued automatically if processing exceeds 30 business days, meaning no action is required by applicants.”

According to the Passport Canada office, the service standards for regular passports is currently 20 days if submitted in person at a regular Service Canada Centre, a Service Canada Scheduled Outreach Site that offers passports services, by mail or online.

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