OTTAWA — Canadians planning international travel will face higher costs this spring as the federal government prepares to hike passport fees for the first time in over a decade. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on Tuesday that most travel document fees will increase on March 31, 2026, to account for inflation and the rising costs of maintaining high-security standards.
This adjustment marks the first time fees have been revised since 2013. Moving forward, the government intends to update these costs annually to ensure the passport program remains financially sustainable.
New Fee Breakdown
The price hike affects applicants both within Canada and those living abroad. Below are the primary changes for standard applications:
| Document Type | Location | New Fee (as of March 31) | Increase |
| 10-Year Adult Passport | Within Canada | $163.50 | +$3.50 |
| 5-Year Adult Passport | Within Canada | $122.50 | +$2.50 |
| 5-Year Child Passport | Within Canada | $58.50 | +$1.50 |
| 10-Year Adult Passport | Abroad | $266.25 | +$6.25 |
| 5-Year Adult Passport | Abroad | $194.25 | +$4.25 |
In addition to standard renewals, fees for expedited services—including urgent pickups, weekend processing, and temporary travel documents—will also see a proportionate rise.
Enhanced Accountability: 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
In a move to balance the price increases with better service, the federal government is introducing a new accountability measure starting April 1, 2026. Under this policy, any complete passport application that is not processed within 30 business days will be provided free of charge.
If the IRCC exceeds this timeline, refunds will be issued automatically to the applicant, requiring no additional paperwork or claims. Currently, Passport Canada averages a processing time of approximately 20 business days for standard applications submitted via mail, online, or in person at Service Canada sites.
The government maintains that these combined measures will create a more predictable and transparent experience for Canadians while ensuring the long-term integrity of the nation’s travel documents.
