Passport Rules Every Traveler Should Know Before Leaving Canada

Canadian passport validity requirements

One of the most common mistakes travelers make before a big trip is forgetting to double-check their passport requirements. Each country has its own entry and exit rules, and overlooking them can cause major headaches—sometimes even ruining a vacation before it begins.

Here are the key things you should review before every international trip:

1. Passport Validity Requirements

Most countries require your passport to be valid for a certain amount of time after you leave their country—not just when you arrive. Depending on the destination, this can range anywhere from 3 to 8 months. Always confirm the latest rules for each country you’re visiting on travel.gc.ca.

2. Renew Your Passport Early

If your passport is nearing expiry, apply for a renewal as early as possible. While urgent or express renewals may be available, processing times can vary and often take weeks. Planning ahead ensures you’re not left scrambling right before your departure.

3. Kids’ Passport Rules

Children under 16 can only receive a 5-year passport—not the standard 10-year adult passport. This often means parents and kids will have different renewal dates to keep track of.

• If a child’s passport was issued before age 16, it remains valid until it expires.

• Once they turn 16, they must apply for a new adult passport.

4. Damaged Passports May Be Invalid

Even if your passport hasn’t expired, damage can make it unusable. Tears, water damage, or even heavy bending may lead border officers to reject it. To avoid problems, replace your passport if there are any noticeable imperfections.

5. Extra Passport & Visa Rules

In some cases, having a valid passport isn’t enough. A few examples:

• Validity requirement: Many countries require 3–6 months of validity past your departure date.

• Blank pages: South Africa, for example, requires 2 blank pages in your passport.

• Travel visas: Some destinations require an electronic visa (e-visa), airport-issued visa, or one obtained in advance. Costs can range from $20 to $200 and processing times may take weeks.

Final Travel Tip

Before booking or departing, always check the entry and exit requirements for each country you plan to visit at travel.gc.ca. Doing this early can save you stress, money, and even prevent a ruined trip.

Before you book your dream vacation, make sure your passport is ready. Double-check the expiry date, validity requirements, and visa rules for every country on your itinerary. A quick review now can save you stress, money, and even prevent a trip from being cancelled at the last minute.

If you’re unsure about the entry requirements for your destination—or simply want peace of mind while planning—I can help. As a Canadian travel advisor, I stay up to date on the latest passport and visa regulations so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

Check your passport today, then reach out to me to start planning your next getaway with confidence.