Canadian government warns this little-known passport rule could impact your winter travel plans
The government is urging Canadians who have international travel plans this fall and winter to double-check their passports' validity to avoid being refused entry at their destination.
Back in October, the Government of Canada released a statement advising travellers to ensure their passports are valid for at least six months prior to expiry, which is now a standard entry requirement in over 70 countries.
Popular destinations like Thailand, Singapore, China, and Turkey all follow this six-month passport rule, so failing to meet it could mean getting denied entry or even being unable to board your flight.
The "six-month rule" is an entry requirement in many countries to prevent travellers from overstaying or facing complications if they encounter travel delays or emergencies. Under this rule, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival date to be allowed entry.
The idea is to give travellers a buffer if their stay is unexpectedly extended or they need extra time for a safe return. It also ensures that even if a passport holder encounters unexpected circumstances—like health issues, flight cancellations, or emergencies—they'll have enough time on their passport to remain in the country legally until they can safely leave.
For Canadian travellers, this means that if your passport has less than six months left before expiring, you could face being denied entry at your destination, even if your actual travel period is much shorter.
To avoid issues, officials recommend starting the passport renewal process around six months before your passport expires. This allows extra time to gather necessary documents and avoid any last-minute rush, especially during the busy travel season.
For those without a passport or needing one for a child, Minister of Citizens' Services Terry Beech suggests applying as early as possible, ideally six months before any planned travel. You can make an appointment through eServiceCanada at a nearby Service Canada location, where all forms need to be completed before your appointment. Walk-in services are also available if you don't have an appointment.
If you're applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one, here's what to know:
No immediate travel plans?Â
You can submit your passport application by mail or visit any Service Canada Centre, passport office, or outreach site. It's worth keeping in mind that, if you didn't pay for pickup service, the ongoing Canada Post labour disruption is likely to delay the delivery of your passport.
Travelling in a few weeks?
Head to a Service Canada Centre or passport office that processes applications within ten business days. Just remember that mailing times can add a few extra days unless you choose to pick up your passport in person. To avoid delays related to the ongoing Canada Post labour disruption, you will have to pick up your passport in person.
Travelling in less than two weeks?
You'll need to visit a passport office that offers urgent or express pick-up services, which require proof of travel. You can find more details about urgent, express, and emergency services on the government's website.
If you've already applied and are facing delays due to the Canada Post disruption, you can call Service Canada at 1-800-567-6868 (TTY: 1-866-255-7655) or visit a Service Canada location to ask for your file to be transferred for pickup. You must provide proof of travel and may need to pay additional fees.
In any case, if you have a specific travel date in mind, it's a good idea to include this in your application for faster processing.
Visit the Service Canada website or check travel advisories for the latest information about passport services, including estimated wait times at locations offering 10-business-day processing. You'll also be able to check out the specific entry requirements at your destination, so you'll know whether the six-month rule will apply.
Safe travels, Montreal!
This article has been updated with details related to the Canada Post labour dispute.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
