The Canadian government will increase passport fees on March 31, 2026, marking the first hike in more than two years. This change affects all passports, travel documents, and related services both inside Canada and abroad, with further annual increases expected in line with inflation.
How Much Will Fees Increase?
The fee adjustment follows a 2.7% increase, based on the April 2024 All-items Consumer Price Index (CPI).
-
Standard 10-year adult passport: From ~$120 CAD → ~$123
-
Child passport: From ~$57 CAD → ~$58.50
The government will likely round the fees to the nearest dollar. While these changes are modest, they signal the start of annual increases linked to inflation.
Why Are Passport Fees Rising?
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the previous fee formula did not account for roughly 85% of the Passport Program’s operational costs. Without adjustment, domestic applications-which account for 90–95% of all passports—were underfunded.
The new structure keeps fees aligned with inflation but will be reviewed to reflect the true cost of operations. Once the review is complete, IRCC will invite public consultation before implementing further changes.
What This Means for Travelers
-
Plan ahead if you’re applying for or renewing a passport this year.
-
Expect annual adjustments to continue in line with CPI until a new system is formally adopted.
-
Not all passport or travel-document fees are guaranteed to increase every year.
The Strength of the Canadian Passport
Despite fee increases, the Canadian passport remains one of the world’s strongest. According to the January 2026 Henley Passport Index, Canada ranks 8th globally, granting holders visa-free access to 181 destinations, ahead of the United States.
Conclusion
Canada’s passport fee hike is a modest but important change for travelers. Staying informed allows you to plan applications ahead and avoid surprises. Annual increases will follow, but Canada continues to offer one of the most powerful passports in the world.
