FAQ
PASSPORTS
What is a passport?
A passport is a travel document that serves as the ultimate form of proof for a person’s citizenship. Passports are issued by the appropriate authoritative power of a country’s government. Passport information www.ppt.gc.ca
Do I need a passport?
Yes. Canadian citizens require a passport to exit/enter Canada and most other countries in the world. It is the traveller’s responsibility to carry the correct identification during their travels aboard.
I am a Landed Immigrant/Permanent resident in Canada. Does that mean I have the same rights as a Canadian Citizen?
No. Although being a Landed Immigrant/Permanent resident of Canada does carry some extra benefits when travelling, entry requirements are based on the nationality of the passport that you carry.
How/where do I obtain a passport?
Canadian passports are issued by government passport offices at various locations through out Canada, or in an emergency by Canadian embassies or consulates based overseas in foreign countries. For complete instructions on how and where to apply please contact your local passport office.
Telephone # 1 800 567 6868. Please note there are no numbers for the individual passport offices available to the public.
Service Locations:
VANCOUVER
Passport Canada – Sinclair Centre
Suite 200 – 757 Hastings Street West,
Vancouver, BC
Opening hours: 7.30am – 16.30 – Monday to Friday
RICHMOND
Passport Canada (English only)
Suite 135 – 8011 Saba Road,
Richmond, BC
Opening hours: 8.30am – 16.00 – Monday to Friday
Note: Passport pick up service is not provided at the Richmond office. All passports will be mailed to the applicant.
SURREY
Passport Canada (English only)
Suite 900 – 13401 – 108th Ave
Surrey, BC
Opening hours: 8.00am – 16.30 – Monday to Friday
Passport receiving locations:
Burnaby
4279 Canada Way
Burnaby, BC
Opening hours: 8.30am – 16.00 – Monday to Friday
Coquitlam
100 – 2963 Glen Drive
Coquitlam, BC
Opening hours: 8.30am – 16.00 – Monday to Friday
North Shore
100 – 221 West Esplanade,
North Vancouver, BC
Opening hours: 8.30am – 16.00 – Monday to Friday
How long is my Canadian passport valid?
Canadian passports are usually valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Exceptions may apply. Please check the expiry date inside your passport.
When applying for a passport renewal, will I receive my old passport back?
If you would like to retain your old passport please request this at the time that you submit your new application. Your old passport will clearly indicate that it is invalid and it is extremely important that you advise the passport issuing authorities whether any valid visas remain in the passport before applying for it to be renewed.
How long must my passport be valid for my travel abroad?
Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity, you must apply for a passport renewal. Please contact EmbassyLink to determine how long your passport must be valid for your specific country of travel.
My passport is still valid however I do not have any blank pages.
You must have enough blank pages inside your passport to accommodate entry/exit immigration stamps for each country of travel and at least one visa page in your passport for each visa required. Most visas require an entire blank page. If more than one visa page is necessary for a visa you will be informed of this fact. A “blank” visa page must be clean, clear and not have any stamps or show ink or stains from any other pages in the passport.
I am recently married/divorced and have changed my name. How do I change the name on my passport?
With proper documentation, you are able to obtain either a new passport or have your married name added to your existing passport by the Canadian passport authorities.
My passport was lost and/or stolen. How do I obtain another passport?
Any lost or stolen passports should be reported to your local police station or the Canadian passport authorities. Then with the correct documentation you will be able to obtain a replacement passport. Processing time to replace a stolen or lost passport may take longer than usual.
Do children require a passport?
Yes, all Canadians are required to travel on their own passport. This includes infants.
How long does it take to process a passport?
Processing times are listed on the Passport office website www.ppt.gc.ca
Can I mail in my passport application?
Yes. Your passport application may be mailed to the appropriate Canadian Passport Authority. Please note that processing by mail takes significantly longer that submitting it in person.
VISAS
What is a visa?
A visa is an authority issued by the Embassy/Consulate of a country that permits a traveller to visit that particular country. The majority of visas are stamped inside your passport or issued electronically. Visas are issued with specific limitations regarding purpose of visit, length of stay, validity of visa, etc. It is the traveller’s responsibility to obtain necessary visas for their travel itinerary. Please view the VISAS section and select your country of travel to view whether or not you will require a visa.
How do I obtain a visa?
The Embassies and Consulates of various countries are authorised to grant visas. Appropriate visa documentation must be presented to the Embassy/Consulate in a proper order for the visa to be issued. EmbassyLink obtains visas on travellers’ behalf by submitting proper visa documentation to the Embassy/Consulate. This eliminates the need for the traveller to visit, communicate and correspond directly with the Embassy/Consulate. Please review the VISAS section and select your country of travel to determine whether or not you will require visas for your itinerary.
Do I need to send my actual passport?
Yes. The visa is either stamped or adhered on a visa page inside your passport.
Can I send my passport and visa application by mail?
EmbassyLink recommends that all documentation is sent to our office using a source of transportation that can be tracked. For example we accept FedEx, Purolator, Canada Post Priority and Xpress post courier services.
I hold a non-Canadian passport. Do I need a visa?
Visa requirements listed on this website pertain to passport holders of Canada only. Please contact us for current, specific requirements for non-Canadian passport holders. We will be able to provide you with information requirements. (Research fee may apply)
How long will it take to process my visa?
Each government have varied regulations on the length of visa processing. Please review the VISAS section and select your country of travel to determine visa processing time.
What is a visa invitation or confirmation?
Visa invitations/confirmations are documents approved by the Foreign Ministry of the country of travel which authorize a particular traveller to visit their country. Most often these documents indicate specific information regarding dates of stay, name of hosting organization, cities of visit and traveller’s passport number, as well as an official reference number and seal of approval. Required formats for invitations and confirmations vary per country. Please review the VISAS section and select your country of travel to determine whether or not an invitation or confirmation is required to be submitted for your visa.
Can I fax my passport copy and/or completed applications for issuance of a visa?
The majority of countries require your actual passport and application to issue a visa.
However there are a few exceptions. Please view the VISAS section and select your country of travel to determine whether or not you must submit your actual passport.
Does the photo in my passport count as one passport photo?
No. You must include the specified number of passport-type photographs with your application. Photographs must adhere to standard passport photo requirements (colour, plain background, no hats or dark glasses) and are printed on correct photo quality paper. Please review the VISAS section to determine the number of photographs required.
What is included in the cost paid to EmbassyLink for the visas?
Total cost of visas includes service fees, consular fees established by and paid to the appropriate consular office for your country of travel, shipping to/from the Embassy/Consulate when necessary. Total cost of visas will be clearly listed for you on the requirements sheets in our VISAS section. Consular fees are subject to change without advance notice at any time. Please note that whether or not you choose to use EmbassyLink, consular fees must be paid to the Embassy/Consulate for completion of your visa.
Why use EmbassyLink to obtain the visas?
We offer unparalleled service based on our experience and knowledge. Our team is trained in the intricacies of international documentation and is dedicated to resolve any challenging cases. We are available to assist the traveller with the answers and solutions relating to travel documents Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm Pacific Time, whilst most Embassy/Consulates have limited hours of access. As part of our service we always check that you are fully prepared when it comes to travel documentation.
What forms of payment does EmbassyLink accept?
EmbassyLink accepts payment by cash, cheque (Made payable to EmbassyLink Ltd), Interact *** Direct payment together with Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards. No debit facilities are available at this time.
Do I need vaccinations for my trip?
Some countries require proof of vaccinations when entering/exiting their country. To determine whether or not you will require vaccinations please contact your local travel vaccination clinic or CDC Travelers’ Health
I have a Canadian Passport, what proof can I get that my Australian ETA visa has been issued?
For Canadian passport holder’s, the ETA visa is issued electronically by the Australian Government therefore there is no evidence of a stamp inside the passport. Once issued, your information is recorded and maintained by the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. You will receive a confirmation notice from EmbassyLink indicating that your visa has been issued. Please see the Australia VISAS section for more detailed information.
What is the difference between a single entry visa and a multiple entry visa?
A single entry visa allows you to enter a country one time within a set period of time. A multiple entry visa allows you to enter a country many times within a set period of time.
What is the difference between a tourist visa and a business visa?
Visas are issued to permit entry into a country for a specific purpose – to allow travel for leisure, or to conduct business activities. The various classifications and requirements for these, and other, visa categories usually vary by country. In general, “tourist” visas are issued specifically for the purpose of travel for pleasure, while a “business” visa generally permits a traveller to engage in normal business-related activities.
TOURIST VISAS
Some countries do not require a visa for Canadian citizens traveling as a tourist for short periods of time. In these cases, it may be sufficient for the traveller to present upon arrival in a non-visa destination, a valid Canadian passport, a return/onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to maintain themselves. Other countries may not require a tourist visa for Canadian citizens, however, the traveller will be required to complete a tourist card or arrival/departure card for presentation to the admitting customs officer upon arrival in that country. These arrival/departure cards are usually available through airlines. A limited period of stay is usually authorized upon arrival for the specific purpose of tourism.
BUSINESS VISAS
Business visas are most often required for a traveller who has a business agenda in the destination country. Each country defines what activities are allowed under their “business visa” category. Please view the VISAS section for more information specific to the country you will be visiting. Generally, business activities can include the following: attending meetings and discussions, visiting customers, providing non-technical sales support, gathering market information, attending a business seminar, making a presentation, negotiating and signing contracts, participating in a conference or symposium, or meeting with government officials. When travelling as a tourist you are not entitled to participate in any business procedures.