When to apply and how to use it

Apply for an official passport before your trip. Make sure you allow time for the processing of a foreign visa if the country you’re travelling to requires you to have one.

Proper use of an official passport

When you use your special or diplomatic passport, you must

• be travelling on official business
• use only 1 valid Canadian travel document

Reasons for using an official passport for non-official business

You can only use your official passport when travelling for personal reasons if 1 of the following applies to you:

• you’re on a personal trip 
  • immediately before an official trip or posting
  • immediately after an official trip or posting or
  • during an official trip or posting
• you’re a diplomat on a trip with your immediate family members while posted abroad
• you’re a member of the Privy Council
• you’re the Governor General or their immediate family members
• you’re the Prime Minister of Canada or their immediate family members

Keep your passport safe and use it appropriately

Your special or diplomatic passport remains the property of the Government of Canada at all times. You’re responsible for the appropriate use and safekeeping of your passport.

If you don’t use your special or diplomatic passport appropriately, we may

• take back the special or diplomatic passport
• cancel the passport
• refuse to issue future special or diplomatic passports in your name or in your child’s name

After your trip

You must return the passport to us when you return from an official trip unless you’re told otherwise. Your department may have an agreement with us (opens in a new tab) .

We can revoke your passport or deny an official passport in the future if you don’t follow these instructions.

Urgent requests

Urgent requests must be exceptional and supported by proper justification, such as proof of travel. We can’t always address urgent requests for an official passport.

Contact Official Travel for more information.