The 2013 and 2023 versions of the Canadian passport beside one another.
In May 2023, the Government of Canada unveiled a new Canadian passport, complete with several enhanced features.
While the former Canadian passport, originally released in 2013, is still accepted and in use — as long as it isn't expired or expiring soon — many Canadians can renew their passports and get the new and improved version, first issued as of June 18, 2023.
"The new passport has been redesigned from cover to cover with state-of-the-art security features and new artwork, maintaining its status as one of the most secure and universally accepted travel documents in the world for all Canadians," according to the federal government.
Announcing the new Canadian passport design!www.youtube.com
But what's so unique or different about the new Canadian passport? Here are six new features to look out for.
Brand new front and back cover
The front and back of the new Canadian passport.
The 2013 version of the Canadian passport features the Royal Coat of Arms as well as "Canada" and "Passport" in writing both above and below the design. The back of the passport was left blank, with no design or writing features.
Well, the new 2023 version differs greatly from the previous. For starters, a Canadian maple leaf is now emblazoned onto the front centre of the passport as well as the back of the passport. The new passport also incorporates a serial number stamped on the back as well as a series of red maple leaves lining the side of the passport, all differing in size.
A new reference to King Charles III
The first page of the new Canadian passport.
Following the coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023, the British royal officially became the current leading monarch of Canada. With that comes a new reference to "His Majesty the King," in the new Canadian passport.
In fact, the very first page is reserved with a mention of King Charles III, in both English and French. According to the Canadian government, Canada is among the first in the Commonwealth to introduce a travel document series concerning His Majesty King Charles III.
New photo ID page
The new Canadian passport ID page.
The photo ID page of the new Canadian passport also included new features. For example, the personal information page is now made of polycarbonate, which "lasts longer and is now less likely to be damaged by water or rough handling," the Government of Canada indicated.
Furthermore, your personal information is now laser engraved on the ID page, instead of printed in ink. The same page also has a photo of you and your date of birth visible under a special lens. Per the feds, the image and text will appear and disappear depending on how you look at it.
Updated security features
The second page of the new Canadian passport.
The new Canadian passport is suited with a bunch of security features that were not included in the former version.
To make the Canadian passport more secure, the new document includes multiple versions of your photo ID, different colours of metallic foil maple leaves on the covers, a debased 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.
Furthermore, the passport is equipped with a visible chip and antenna. It features magnetized colour-shifting ink in the form of a deer and a snowflake, along with a Kinegram that exhibits colour variations and appears to animate when viewed from various angles.
New seasonal art
Blank visa pages inside the new Canadian passport.
While the 2013 Canadian passport included images and graphics of Canadian figures including Terry Fox and Samuel de Champlain, the new passport features seasonal art in place of public figures on the visa pages.
"These designs make your passport very difficult to counterfeit," the Government of Canada said. "They also change when you look at them under ultraviolet light."
The new visa pages include pictures of Canada's wildlife including bears and birds, as well as children playing in various settings including at a farm, on a lake and in fields during different seasons.
More visa pages
A visa page inside the new Canadian passport.
The 2013 version of the Canadian passport contained 29 visa pages as well as a final page reading "do not stamp." The new and improved passport includes more visa pages.
According to the federal government, the new passport contains a total of 36 pages, 33 of which are stampable and no final page. The new pages are fit with a data chip inside them, called ePassport.
The ePassport offers reduced vulnerability to tampering and identity fraud through enhanced identity verification, including a digital facial image for potential facial recognition use at borders, contingent on equipment availability, the Government of Canada said.
This strengthens security and reduces the likelihood of other countries imposing visa requirements on travellers. Additionally, unique digital security features and images specific to Canada aid border authorities in swiftly verifying passport authenticity and validity, further fortifying border security.
More about the e-chip in the new Canadian passport
The e-chip in your passport securely stores key personal information, such as your name, nationality, date of birth, and passport number. That means it can't be tampered with once stored, the federal government said.
No additional data beyond what's printed on page two of your passport book is stored on the chip. However, if your details change, like your name, you'll need to apply for a new passport as the chip cannot be updated. Accessing the chip's data requires an ePassport reader within 10 centimetres and some information from page two of your passport.
While unlikely, it's still advisable to visit a passport office to verify and ensure the accuracy of the information stored on your e-chip.