Canadian Passport Is Required For Traveling

Starting June 1, 2009, a U.S. law will require Canadians to present a valid Canadian passport to enter the U.S. by water or land. United States law already requires Canadians to present a valid passport to enter the U.S. by air. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. law that requires all travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other approved secure document when entering the United States. Apply for your Canadian Passport today to ensure you have it when you need it. Remember, the Canadian Passport is the recommended travel and identification document for all Canadian travellers. Government of Canada recommends that Canadians travelling to any destination outside of Canada carry a valid Canadian Passport. Call 1 800 O-CANADA for more info.

Canadian Passport Required To Travel To US

Canadian Passport: Since January 23, 2007, a new American law requires everyone entering the United States BY AIR to have a valid passport. Canadians can continue to use such documents as their birth certificates and drivers’ license to cross the Canada-U.S. border BY LAND AND SEA for at least another year.

It's a good idea to have your Canadian passport ready even if you don't plan to travel soon. Just in case you have to travel to the USA, you will have to get in the long line ups to get your Canadian Passport.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a new American law that requires all travellers, including Canadians, to carry a valid passport, or a Nexus Air Card when traveling to the United States from within the western hemisphere.

This is a change from prior travel requirements to enter the US.

Canadian Passport Application

Passport Canada is experiencing a sharp volume increase in passport applications in all of its offices, by mail and through its receiving agents. Due to this increase in volume, it may take up to 45 business days (9 weeks) before you receive your new passport. Long application processing times are expected to continue due to passport requirement by the united states. To avoid further delays in getting your passport, make sure your application is complete.

At any Service Location excluding the US

You should submit your application in person. If this is not possible, the application may be submitted by a third party provided they:

* Show identification,
* Are 16 years of age or older,
* Are either your:
o Parent,
o Child,
o Parent's spouse or common-law partner,
o Child's spouse or common-law partner,
o Spouse or common-law partner,
o Spouse or common-law partner's:
+ Parent,
+ Parent's spouse or common-law partner,
+ Child, or
+ Child's spouse or common-law partner.

The above third parties MUST provide a written statement signed by you authorizing them to submit your application, OR their identification must confirm that they reside with you.

Any relative residing at your address can also submit an application on your behalf provided that they:

* Are 16 years of age or older, and
* Show identification confirming their place of residence. If the identification shown does not contain an address, further documentation to establish the address will be required.

It is MANDATORY that applicants requesting urgent or express service apply in person. Applications submitted by a third party will not be accepted for urgent or express service.