Passport Canada Introduces a New Temporary Passport for Canadians Abroad

News Release

GATINEAU, November 4, 2005 -- Canadians abroad in need of urgent passport services will now be able to apply for a new travel document.
Passport Canada is introducing its Temporary Passport, a white, eight-page
passport booklet that is compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards regarding machine-readable travel documents.
"This initiative is part of Passport Canada's response to the National
Security Policy implemented in April of 2004," said Foreign Affairs Minister
Pierre Pettigrew. "The Temporary Passport is further proof of the Government
of Canada's commitment to ensuring the Canadian passport remains a highly
respected international travel document."
The Temporary Passport will be introduced to Canadians through a pilot
project at the Hong Kong mission during November 2005. Upon successful
conclusion of the pilot, Passport Canada will implement this initiative around
the world by the end March 2006.
To be eligible for a Temporary Passport, the applicant must first apply
and pay for a regular passport. A temporary exchange agreement must also be
completed and signed. The applicant must agree to exchange the Temporary
Passport for a regular, diplomatic or special passport, once it is ready. The
Temporary Passport may be issued to Canadians abroad with urgent and proven
travel needs, or to meet residency requirements, as some countries require
their citizens to have a passport.
The maximum validity of a Temporary Passport is one year and is limited
to meet the applicant's submitted travel requirements. The Temporary Passport
does not replace the emergency passport for Canadians who find themselves
stranded abroad. Canadians at home will still have access to urgent or
expedited regular passports, therefore the Temporary Passport will not be
available in Canada.
Passport Canada is a Special Operating Agency of Foreign Affairs Canada.
Its mission is to facilitate travel for Canadians by delivering
internationally respected travel documents that meet the highest security
standards in the world.
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Media Enquiries: (819) 934-3837
Public Enquiries: 1 800 567-6868

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Passport Canada Introduces a New Temporary Passport for Canadians Abroad

News Release

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