New Canadian passport fee Hike take effect March 31

Canadians will soon pay more for passports as the federal government rolls out its first fee increase in more than a decade. The new rates take effect on March 31, 2026. Officials say the increase reflects inflation and the rising cost of producing secure travel documents.

Adult passports will see small increases. A 10-year passport within Canada will rise from $160 to $163.50, while a five-year passport will move from $120 to $122.50. Fees for passports issued outside the country will also increase. Child passport costs and several travel document fees will go up by a few dollars as well.

Special services will cost more too. Urgent pickup and temporary passport fees will increase, and weekend or holiday services will see the largest jump.

The government will charge the updated fee based on when it receives an application. For online and in-person applications, the submission date applies. For mailed forms, officials will use the date they receive the package.

New refund guarantee starts April 1
One day after the fee increase, the government will introduce a new service promise. Starting April 1, 2026, applicants will receive a full refund if officials fail to process a complete passport application within 30 business days.

This refund will happen automatically. Applicants will not need to submit any request.

For people applying within Canada or from the United States, refunds will arrive by cheque. Those applying from other countries may receive refunds through a credit card, cheque, or electronic transfer, depending on how they paid.

The new rule applies to most passport types, including adult and child passports, temporary passports, and refugee travel documents. However, some extra charges will not qualify for refunds. These include consular fees and charges for urgent or express services.

This policy replaces the current system, which offers only partial refunds when processing takes longer than expected.

Annual increases expected
The March 31 increase will not stand alone. The government plans to adjust passport fees every year going forward. These changes will follow inflation, using national price data.

Officials say this approach will prevent large, sudden increases in the future and instead bring smaller, steady changes each year.

Who can apply for a passport
Only Canadian citizens can apply for a passport. Applicants must show proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.

Most people born in Canada qualify automatically. Those born outside the country may qualify through their parents or grandparents.

Citizenship rules expand eligibility
Recent changes to citizenship law have widened access for many families. A new law that took effect on December 15, 2025, removed limits that once blocked some Canadians born abroad from passing citizenship to their children.

Now, more people born outside Canada can claim citizenship if they can show family ties. In some cases, parents must also meet residency requirements before passing on citizenship.

Anyone who qualifies under the new rules must first apply for proof of citizenship before seeking a passport.