About the process
Official passports
An official passport (special or diplomatic passport) tells international border officials that the bearer is:
- travelling on official business
- representing Canada abroad
We decide if you get a special or diplomatic passport.
Need an official passport for your child?
Find out how to submit an application for your child. You can’t apply as a family. You’ll have to submit a separate application for your child. You don’t have to submit the applications at the same time, but can if you wish.
How to use an official passport
Before your trip
Apply for an official passport before your trip. You should also allow time for the processing of a foreign visa, if you need one.
Fees
$225
Visa (if needed) is an extra $90/visa
Processing time
15 business days
Doesn’t include the time to get a foreign visa. We have no control over the time it takes another country to process a visa and can’t influence foreign processing times.
Use your official passport for official business
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 you’re
- travelling on a personal trip immediately before or after an official trip or posting
- a diplomat on a trip with your immediate family members while posted abroad
- a member of the Privy Council
- the Governor General and their immediate family members
- the Prime Minister of Canada and their immediate family members
The only exception to these situations is if you requested permission to do so and we gave you permission.
In any other situation, you must use your regular (blue) passport.
Keep your passport safe and use it appropriately
Your or your child’s 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
- no longer let you keep 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 your official passport to us when you complete an official trip unless you’re told otherwise. Your department may have an agreement with us.
We can revoke your passport or deny an official passport in the future if you don’t follow these instructions.
Urgent requests
We can’t always address urgent requests for an official passport. Urgent requests must be exceptional and supported by proper justification (such as proof of travel).
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