A Canadian passport is more than just a travel document. It offers many benefits and includes several unique features that many people may not know about.
Today, even more people may qualify for a Canadian passport than before. Since Bill C-3 came into effect in December 2025, Canada’s citizenship by descent rules have expanded. Because of this change, millions of Americans with a Canadian ancestor may now be eligible for Canadian citizenship &, in turn, a Canadian passport.
Below are seven interesting facts about the Canadian passport.
So, without further ado, let us begin!
It Ranks Higher Than The U.S. Passport
As of July 2026, the Canadian passport ranks seventh on the Henley Passport Index. The U.S. passport is ranked tenth.
Canada moved ahead of the United States for the first time in January 2025. Since then, it has continued to stay ahead. In January 2026, Canada held eighth place while the U.S. remained in tenth place.
This ranking places Canada among the countries with some of the world’s strongest passports. Canadian passport holders can travel to more than 180 countries without getting a visa in advance.
Applicants Receive A Full Refund If The Passport Takes Too Long
Canada introduced a new passport service guarantee earlier in 2026.
Under this policy, applicants receive a full refund of their passport or travel document fee if their passport is not completed within 30 business days.
The guarantee applies to applications handled on or after April 1, 2026.
Normally, Canada aims to complete passport applications within 10 to 20 business days. The refund policy provides extra confidence that passport services will meet expected timelines.
Most Adults Can Renew Their Passport Online
On July 28, the Canadian government announced that many Canadians can now renew their passports online.
People who are 16 years of age or older can use the online system if their current passport was issued within the last 15 years.
Applicants can upload a digital passport photo and receive updates as their application moves through each stage.
At present, online renewal is not available for Canadians living outside Canada or for children under 16 years of age. The government has said it may expand the service in the future.
It Allows Easy Travel To More Than 180 Countries
According to the latest Henley Passport Index, Canadian passport holders can travel to 183 countries and territories without a visa or by receiving a visa on arrival.
This includes most countries in Europe’s Schengen Area, where Canadians can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.
The passport also provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many destinations across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
In some cases, Canadians can enter countries without a visa where U.S. citizens now need one before travelling.
Every Passport Contains An Electronic Chip
Modern Canadian passports are electronic passports, also known as ePassports.
Each passport includes a small computer chip that stores the same information printed inside the passport, along with a digital photo of the passport holder.
The chip can be read by official passport readers when the passport is placed close to the scanning device.
A small symbol on the front cover shows that the passport follows international ePassport standards used around the world.
The Visa Pages Display Seasonal Canadian Artwork
The blank visa pages inside a Canadian passport include artwork inspired by Canada’s four seasons.
The designs show scenes such as bears in spring forests, people enjoying summer activities, pumpkin picking during autumn, and building snowmen in winter.
These pages also reveal hidden colours and patterns when viewed under ultraviolet light.
Besides making the passport visually attractive, these hidden designs help improve document security and make counterfeiting much more difficult.
The Security Features Are Hidden Inside The Artwork
Many of the passport’s designs are also advanced security features.
For example, the personal information page includes a red maple leaf that disappears when warmed by rubbing it with a finger.
Other security features include colour-changing ink, magnetic security elements, and detailed artwork shaped like a deer and a snowflake.
The personal information page is made from durable polycarbonate instead of paper. The holder’s personal details are laser engraved into the page instead of being printed, making the passport stronger, more secure, and more resistant to water damage.
Who Can Apply For A Canadian Passport?
Only Canadian citizens can receive a Canadian passport. This includes people who became citizens by birth or through naturalization.
However, more people may now qualify because of the changes introduced under Bill C-3.
Since December 15, 2025, Canada’s updated citizenship by descent rules allow many people born outside Canada to claim citizenship through a Canadian parent who was also born outside Canada.
People born before December 15, 2025, who can trace an unbroken family line to a Canadian ancestor may already be Canadian citizens without realizing it.
Before applying for a Canadian passport, eligible individuals must first obtain proof of Canadian citizenship by applying for a Canadian citizenship certificate.
Applicants must collect official records, such as birth and marriage certificates, that connect them to their Canadian ancestor. These documents must come from the government authority that originally issued them.
Applications for proof of citizenship are currently submitted by mail using a paper application form, along with supporting documents and passport-sized photographs.
The department currently estimates that citizenship certificate applications take about 19 months, although the time may differ depending on the details of each case.
After receiving the citizenship certificate, eligible individuals can apply for a Canadian passport. For applicants applying from the United States, Service Canada aims to issue a regular passport within 20 business days.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
