How to Renew A Canadian Passport Abroad

You have taken that brave step and moved to another country. You may have a second passport, temporary or permanent residency, or perhaps have some type of visa allowing you an extended stay.

But your passport in your home country is going to expire soon. It’s not feasible to travel back and go through the process. What do you do? Do not worry. The process is simpler than you think. Here are the steps to renewing a Canadian passport abroad.

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Do You Qualify to Renew Your Passport?

There are differing reasons why people need to renew their passports besides expiry. Only adult passports can be renewed. If you are 16 or older, verify here if you can renew your passport. If you’re under 16, you will need to apply for a new child passport. Check the details here to see if you qualify for a renewal.

When Do You Renew?

The best time to renew is six months before your passport expires. Do not make any travel plans during this time because many countries will not allow you to enter if your passport expires in less than six months. Check the entry requirements for the country you plan to visit to be safe. Hang tight, keep planning, but don’t book anything until you have your renewed passport in your hot little hands.

Renewing a passport is simpler than applying for a new one because you will not need a guarantor, proof of Canadian citizenship, or supporting identification. You will only need to complete the online form, get all the required documents and passport photos, provide two references, submit your application and fees, and get your passport.

My Experience Renewing a Canadian Passport Abroad

My husband and I recently renewed our Canadian passports while living in Mexico. The process was easier than expected. We found a recommended photographer from a friend in town who had also gone through the process. We walked in to Genesis Digital Photography in Ajijic, sat down, took our photos and had them developed within 30 minutes. Make sure you follow the passport photo requirements for Canada. Tell the photographer the pictures are for a Canadian passport renewal because the requirements are different for the United States and other countries. To be certain, you can print a copy of the passport photo specifications and take them with you. You don’t want your photos to be rejected because then you will have to do the process all over and pay the high fees (yes, it’s not cheap) to send in another application.

The passport renewal forms were online to be completed and printed then couriered to the Canadian Embassy in Mexico City. Our renewed passports would be couriered back to us within 20 business days. Sure enough, within the 20 days, our passports were delivered. Do note your old passport must be sent along with your renewal application. There is a box to tick on the form if you want your old passport returned. If you do not tick the box, your passport will be destroyed and not returned to you.

It felt odd sending our passports off to Mexico City. Being without your passport in a foreign country is a little unsettling; however, we do have temporary residency cards and driver’s licenses for identification purposes.

To add a little twist to the story, we had our passports delivered to our friend’s house in Mexico. The mail system in Mexico is atrocious as delivery takes forever or items will never arrive. We sent a letter from Mexico City to Canada, and it took six weeks. The passports are sent by courier, so why does this matter? Well, there is a house about two blocks away from us with the same address as ours. Yes. The same street and house number. And the GPS always takes people to the wrong house. Passports arriving at the wrong house is not good. To request your passports be delivered to another address than your residence, indicate this on the renewal form and include a separate piece of paper on the top of your application with the mailing address you want your passports sent to.

Breaking Down the Process

The first step is to visit the Canadian government website and answer their brief questionnaire to determine which steps to follow. The process is different if you are renewing from the U.S. or from another country. If you are outside Canada and the U.S. then you go here.

On this page, you can determine who can renew a passport, when to renew your passport, forms, instructions, and fees.

If your passport was lost, damaged, or stolen, the process is different. Follow the steps here to find out who can renew a passport.

Fees must be paid online before submitting your application. Make sure to print off your receipt as you must include it in the envelope with your application. Review the fees and pay online here. Refunds will not be issued once the process starts so be sure you have your ducks in a row before you begin.

Alternatively, you can pay at a Canadian consulate or embassy abroad. Payment options depend on where you apply so it’s best to contact the embassy or consulate ahead of time for payment options. You will also likely have to make an appointment if you plan to visit the consulate or embassy.

Top Questions About Renewing a Canadian Passport Abroad

Still have questions about renewing a Canadian passport abroad? Here are a few common scenarios:

Do Dual Citizens Need to Renew Their Canadian Passport to Return to Canada?

Yes—dual citizens must hold a valid Canadian passport to enter or transit through Canada by air. This includes Canadian-American dual nationals. While a valid U.S. passport will get you on the plane, you’ll still need to prove your Canadian citizenship—so always travel with both passports. Learn more about the requirements for dual citizens here.

What Should I Do if My Passport Is Lost, Damaged, or Stolen?

Your passport is your most important travel document. If it’s lost or stolen, your travel plans could be delayed. If you’re renewing a Canadian passport abroad under these circumstances, the process can look different. Find out what steps to take here.

How Do I Renew a Canadian Passport from the United States?

The renewal process from the U.S. is relatively straightforward. You can mail your completed application—using a traceable method—to the Passport Program in Gatineau, Quebec. Unlike other countries, U.S.-based applicants may also pay the renewal fee by mail if preferred.

It’s All in the Details When Renewing Your Canadian Passport Abroad

People are often worried about how to take care of the little details when they move to a new country such as how to renew a passport while abroad, how to open a bank account in another country, how to get a driver’s license, etc. This article covers one detail, how to renew your Canadian passport abroad. If details like this are preventing you from moving to another country, don’t let fear stop you. The timing is never perfect and you will never know everything. I am here to provide you with solid information to help you put your Plan B in place. For the deeper details, subscribe to A Case for Freedom Fridays where I share my experiences of living abroad.