The cost of a Canadian passport is set to increase, and it could rise even more in the future under changes planned by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government.
Starting March 31, passport fees will go up by 2.7 per cent, matching the consumer price index (CPI). In Canada, a five-year passport will cost $123.24 and a 10-year passport will cost $164.32. A 10-year passport from outside Canada will cost $267.02.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says this is only the first step. The department says passport fees no longer cover the full cost of running the program. Since fees were last adjusted for inflation, the CPI has risen 14.5 per cent, leaving the program about $121 million short in 2024-25. Officials say current fees do not fully cover costs like staff salaries, delivery and IT systems. A full review of passport pricing is now underway.
NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan said higher prices will hurt low-income families and others who already struggle to afford a passport. Conservative critic Michelle Rempel Garner said Canadians may question paying more if service does not improve.
Passport demand surged after COVID-19 travel restrictions ended, causing long delays. Although service has improved, the government has refunded millions of dollars to people whose passports were late. Under current rules, applicants get 25 per cent back if their passport is up to 10 days late and 50 per cent back if it is 11 days or more late.
In 2024, former minister Terry Beech promised passports would be processed within 30 business days or be free. The government has not yet put that rule in place, but documents suggest it could begin on April 1, 2026.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab has not confirmed when the change will happen. Critics say Canadians expect the government to keep its promise.
