Features of Canada’s new passport
Updating passports is a routine process that aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) best practices and standards.
We announced the new Canadian passport on May 10, 2023(opens in a new tab) . It uses the latest security features and most advanced design techniques available.
Because of these new security features, it will remain one of the most secure and accepted travel documents in the world. This means you’ll likely continue to avoid extra checks at border crossings.
As of June 18, 2023, we started to issue the new passports. Until we finish installing the printers for the new passports in all offices, you may still get the current passport when you apply. By spring 2024, we’ll only be issuing the new passports.
If you already have a valid passport, it’s still secure and reliable. You don’t need to apply for a new one.
New security features through artwork and more
Inside of the front cover
We added a number of new security features to make your passport more secure, including
- multiple versions of your photo
- different colours of metallic foil maple leaves on the covers
- a debossed maple leaf on the back
- a red maple leaf on your personal information page that disappears if you heat it by rubbing it with your finger
- a visible chip and antenna
- magnetized colour-shifting ink in the shape of a deer and snowflake
All of these can be used to detect fraud and confirm that your passport is valid.
Your personal information page (data page)
We added a Kinegram that changes colours and appears to move when you look at it from different angles. The same page also has a photo of you and your date of birth under a special lens. Each will appear and disappear depending on how you look at it.
Your personal information page is now made of polycarbonate, which lasts longer and is now less likely to be damaged by water or rough handling. Your personal information is also now laser-engraved on the page, instead of printed in ink.
Travelling through the seasons
The visa pages now have seasonal art. These designs make your passport very difficult to counterfeit. They also change when you look at them under ultraviolet light.
Have a look at the samples below to see how the art changes and its extra security features.
Blank visa pages in the new passport that show bears in a forest in spring.
Blank visa pages in the new passport that show bears in a forest in spring. Ultraviolet light changes the colours and reveals security features.
Blank visa pages in the new passport that show children swimming and people paddling a canoe in summer.
Blank visa pages in the new passport that show children swimming and people paddling a canoe in summer. Ultraviolet light changes the colours and reveals security features.
Blank visa pages in the new passport that show children on a farm in fall.
Blank visa pages in the new passport that show children on a farm in fall. Ultraviolet light changes the colours and reveals security features.
Blank visa pages in the new passport that show owls and children playing in winter.
Blank visa pages in the new passport that show owls and children playing in winter. Ultraviolet light changes the colours and reveals security features.
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