Passport tips: What to do after you get it and how to keep it safe

When you get your passport, it’s important to protect it and prepare yourself before travelling. We have some tips to help you take care of it when you travel.

On this page

• When you get your new passport
• Before you travel
  • Check if you need to apply for a visa
  • Register as a Canadian abroad
  • Carry your valid Canadian passport if you’re a dual citizen
• When you’re travelling
  • Get help while outside Canada

When you get your new passport

Once you get your new passport, there are a few things you should do right away

1. Check it.
   • Make sure the personal information in your new passport is correct.
   • Contact us immediately if you find an error.
2. Sign it.
   • Sign your name using a black or blue ballpoint pen on the signature line on page 3.
     • Don’t sign anyone else’s passport, including your child’s. This makes the passport invalid.
     • Children under 16 should not sign their passport.
3. Fill it in.
   • Add your emergency contact information in pencil.
     • This is so you can update it if you need to.

Before you travel

When preparing to travel outside Canada

• always check the expiry date of your passport
  • Many countries require your passport to be valid for several months after the date you plan to leave them.
  • Check the entry and exit requirements before you travel
• take a picture of your passport’s photo page
  • You can also photocopy your passport’s photo page and leave a copy with someone you trust before you travel. That way, if you lose your passport, you’ll still have the information on it.
  • You should also consider leaving your birth certificate or citizenship certificate somewhere where a trusted person can access it.

Get more information and advice on how to stay safe while you’re travelling.

Check if you need to apply for a visa

Check the visa requirements for your destinations. You can also contact embassies or consulates in Canada to find out if you need a visa to enter their country.

If you need to send your passport to a visa office, we recommend you use a courier so you can track your package. Learn how to apply for a visa.

Register as a Canadian abroad

The Government of Canada can notify you in case of an emergency abroad or at home. We encourage you to sign up whether you’re planning a vacation or living abroad. Sign up or access your existing registration.

Carry your valid Canadian passport if you’re a dual citizen

As a dual Canadian citizen, you must carry a valid Canadian passport to return to Canada. If you don’t, you won’t be allowed to board your flight.

This applies even if

• the country or countries you’re travelling from require you to carry your other passport
• you’re only passing through

Learn more about

• the reasons you need a valid Canadian passport when travelling
• travelling or living outside Canada as a dual citizen

When you’re travelling

Make sure you keep your passport safe at all times.

•  When you’re not travelling, store your passport in a secure location.
  • If you have access to a safe where you’re staying, consider using it rather than carrying the passport with you everywhere.
•  Prevent water damage by storing your passport in a sealed plastic bag, a waterproof case or a pouch.
•  Ink from boarding passes could transfer to the photo page and obscure your information.
  • Because of this, it’s a good idea to keep your boarding pass away from your photo page.
•  Don’t leave your passport unattended in your luggage, vehicle, hotel room or elsewhere.
•  Don’t travel with a damaged passport, or one that you reported as lost or stolen and then later found.
  • You could face significant delays, be denied entry at border crossings, have your passport seized by border control, or be denied boarding.
  • Learn what to do if your passport is lost, stolen or damaged.

Get help while outside Canada

For help with emergencies outside Canada, contact the

• nearest Canadian office abroad
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa