In summer, many Canadians use vacation time to explore other countries. If you’re applying for or renewing a passport this summer, you should know that effective July 1st, those important pocket-sized documents will change. So will the costs to obtain one. For the first time in over a decade, Passport Canada is increasing up-front passport fees, though for semi-frequent travellers, those new fees mean a slight reduction in cost per year of use.

After July 1st, all passports issued will contain thirty-six hard copy pages, as well as an electronic chip. The embedded chip holds the information found on page two of the Passport (an electronic or e-passport) and will increase your document’s security. This change will help Canada keep pace with current technological advances in international travel document security.

After July 1st, citizens 16 and older may apply for either a five- or ten-year ePassport. The 10-year ePassport will cost $160, while a five-year ePassport will cost $120, up from the current $87. A child’s 5-year passport fee will be $57. 
Passport Canada reminds applicants to gather the necessary documents (check the website) well ahead of travel schedule. To avoid any surprises, I also urge constituents applying for passports for their children to note the regulation requiring not only birth certificates, but the signatures of both parents – even in cases of parental separation or divorce.

Passport applications are available at Service Canada or any Canada Post outlet. You can also find them online at:  www.ppt.gc.ca . The former paper applications will still be acceptable after July 1st, though applicants will need to specify whether a five- or ten-year passport is desired, and submit the appropriate revised fees.

All completed applications must be mailed to or dropped off at Passport Canada. To avoid long waits, Passport Canada recommends that those applying in person at a Passport Canada office choose either a weekday morning or a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon, as those days are traditionally less busy.

If you are travelling by air and your current passport will expire within six months of your trip, I’d advise you to check with your designated airline to ensure your document will be  honoured ­– this isn’t always the case.                                                                           

One more note … if you currently own a valid passport, there is no need to switch to an ePassport. Your document is secure, and will remain valid until it expires.

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The audio version of Garry's June 17, 2013 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here