Among many other countries, Canada also uses an electronic passport issued to Canadian citizens. An e-passport like the Canadian passport is a 36-page book that contains a data chip. It contains basic information that can be used to identify a traveler.
When you travel through another country as a Canadian citizen, you must carry your passport as a means of identification. Before you are allowed to enter a country, you must present your passport, which will be scanned to determine your identity.
According to the Global Passport Index by Montreal-based financial firm Arton Capital, the Canadian passport is ranked as the 10th best in the world.
With a Canadian passport, you can visit over 114 countries without a visa.
What are the benefits of a Canadian passport?
- It helps identify you and prevent fraud or identity theft.
- A Canadian passport is used to identify Canadian citizens anywhere in the world.
- An electronic passport helps uniquely identify a person’s country of origin and which country a traveler is from and where they are traveling to.
- Improved privacy protection
- Facilitate entry and exit at border controls with automated passport readers.
Requirements and documents needed to apply for a Canadian passport
- Proof of Canadian citizenship
- A valid document confirming your identity
- Two identical passport photos
- A valid recent Canadian travel document issued in your name.
- Your application form signed within the last 12 months and duly certified by a guarantor.
- Additional documents (such as language test results) may be required as originals, and documents not in English or French must be submitted along with a proper translation.
Steps to apply for your own Canadian passport
To apply for a Canadian passport, you must be at least 16 years old and a Canadian citizen. Parents or guardians can apply for their young children. Here are a few steps to apply
- Download the application form from the official IRCC website or get it directly from the passport office.
- Fill the form correctly and sign each page of the application form.
- Attach all important documents to the form, especially 2 identical passport photos.
- Get a guarantor and 2 references to confirm your identity.
- Your guarantor can be:
Any person who has known you for at least 2 years;
He must be a Canadian citizen and over 18 years old; - He should have a valid Canadian passport or at least a passport that has not expired for more than one year.
- Submit your application to the appropriate passport office or portal and pay all required fees.
- Pick up your new passport.
