ARCHIVED – Notice – Passport requirements in effect May 9, 2015

February 27, 2015 — The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the security and integrity of Canadian travel documents. On May 9, 2015, the following new passport requirements will come into effect for all passport applicants:

Photos

• Photos will be valid for six months from the date they were taken (currently 12 months).
• Tinted eye glasses cannot be worn.

Signature

• New passports printed on or after May 9, 2015, will no longer have a pre-printed digital signature on page 2. Applicants must physically sign page 3 in the passport book when they receive it.
• This change has no effect on the security or integrity of the passport. Previous versions of the passport book, which include the signature, remain valid.

These changes comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for travel documents.