Top 5 Canadian Travel Document Costs [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The cost of a Canadian travel document depends entirely on the type you need. A standard 5-year adult passport costs $120 CAD, while a Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document costs $120 CAD. Always check the official Government of Canada website for the most current fees before applying.

Applying for the right travel document can be confusing, and unexpected fees can derail your plans. Whether you're a citizen renewing a passport, a permanent resident needing a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD), or a protected person applying for a Refugee Travel Document, costs vary widely. This guide breaks down the 2025-2026 fees for every major Canadian travel document, explains what you get for your money, and shows you how to avoid common (and costly) application mistakes.

1. How Much Does a Canadian Passport Cost?

A standard 5-year adult passport costs $120 CAD. This is the base fee for a new application or renewal for Canadians 16 years of age or older. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Passport Canada's official fee schedule, this is the most common fee for domestic applications.

Passport fees are not set by IRCC but by Passport Canada, a service of Employment and Social Development Canada. The price covers the security, production, and issuance of the biometric passport booklet. It's crucial to note that this is just the passport fee itself; additional service charges apply if you need expedited processing or apply through a third-party service.

• 10-year adult passport (16+): $160 CAD.
• Child's passport (0-15): $57 CAD.
• Replacement of a lost/stolen passport: An additional $45 CAD fee on top of the standard application cost.
• Urgent or express pickup services: Carry significant extra fees, often doubling the total cost.

Pro Tip: The processing times and fees listed on the official Government of Canada passport page are the only authoritative source. Using a tool like Evola AI's Immigration Success Predictor can help you plan your application timeline by analyzing current government processing trends, ensuring you don't pay unnecessary rush fees.

2. What is the Fee for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)?

A Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) costs $50 CAD. This is the processing fee paid to IRCC if you are a permanent resident outside Canada without a valid PR card and need to return. According to IRCC's official document checklist for the PRTD, this fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the application is refused.

The PRTD is a single-entry document that allows you to return to Canada by commercial vehicle. You apply for it at a visa office outside Canada. The $50 fee is relatively low because the document is temporary and has a specific, limited purpose. However, the real "cost" can be the time and complexity of proving you meet the residency obligation from abroad.

• Primary Application Fee: $50 CAD.
• Biometrics Fee: If required, an additional $85 CAD per person.
• No Right of Appeal: The fee is for processing only; a refused PRTD application cannot be appealed on its own.
• Residency Proof: The challenge isn't the fee, but providing sufficient proof you've lived in Canada for at least 730 days in the past 5 years.

3. How Much is a Refugee Travel Document or Certificate of Identity?

Both a Refugee Travel Document and a Certificate of Identity cost $120 CAD. These are for protected persons (refugees) and stateless persons or permanent residents who cannot obtain a national passport, respectively. The fee is identical to a standard passport, as outlined on IRCC's travel document for non-Canadians page.

These blue travel documents are crucial for protected persons in Canada to travel internationally. They are valid for up to 5 years (or less, based on your status in Canada). The $120 fee grants you a document that functions similarly to a passport for visa-free travel to many countries, though you must always check the entry requirements of your destination.

• Standard Fee: $120 CAD per application.
• Validity: Tied to your status in Canada (e.g., if your protected person status is under review, the document may be issued for a shorter period).
• Not for Home Country Travel: You cannot use a Refugee Travel Document to travel to the country from which you claimed protection.
• Processing Time: Can be lengthy; apply well in advance of any planned travel.

4. What Are the Extra Costs and Hidden Fees to Budget For?

Beyond the base government fee, budget for biometrics ($85), photos ($15-$20), couriers, and potential translation/legal fees. The official fee is just one line item in the total cost of obtaining your travel document. According to service standards, failing to account for these extras is a leading cause of application returns and delays.

Think of the application as a project. The government fee is the core cost, but you need to purchase the right "materials" (photos) and pay for "shipping" (secure transmission). If your documents are not in English or French, certified translations are a mandatory, additional cost. Using a professional service like Evola AI's 24/7 immigration mentor can help you identify all required steps upfront, preventing costly re-dos.

• Biometrics: $85 CAD per person (required for most PRTDs and some other documents).
• Passport Photos: Must meet strict specifications; professional studios charge $15-$20.
• Courier/Transmission Fees: For sending applications to processing centres or visa offices.
• Certified Translations: Varies by language and length, often $40-$80 per document.
• Representative Fees: If you hire an immigration lawyer or consultant, their fees are separate and much higher.

5. How Can I Pay My Travel Document Fee and Get a Refund?

You must pay travel document fees online through the IRCC website or at a Canadian financial institution using the official payment form. Refunds are only given in specific cases, such as if you overpaid or if IRCC stops processing your application before it begins. According to IRCC's official payment guidelines, paying incorrectly will result in your application being returned unprocessed.

The system is designed for traceability. You receive a receipt that must be included with your paper application. For online applications, payment is integrated into the portal. Never send cash. If your application is refused, the processing fee is generally not refunded, as it covers the cost of the officer's review.

• Accepted Methods: Online payment (credit card, debit), or at a bank using a "Receipt for Payment of Fees" (IMM 5401) form.
• Refund Eligibility: Overpayment, application withdrawn before processing, or inapplicable fee paid.
• No Refund For: Refused applications, withdrawn applications after processing has begun, or if you change your mind.
• Keep Your Receipt: It is a mandatory part of your application package and is needed for any refund request.

Navigate the Process with Confidence

Understanding the precise cost of your Canadian travel document is the first step in a smooth application journey. From the $120 passport to the $50 PRTD, each fee corresponds to a specific document with its own rules and processing times. The key is to budget for the total cost—including photos, biometrics, and couriers—and to follow IRCC's official payment instructions to the letter.

Don't let fee confusion or missed steps create unnecessary stress and delay. Let Evola AI guide you. Our platform demystifies the entire process, from using our free CRS Calculator (relevant for PR status) and CLB Converter to ensuring your language proofs are in order, to providing 24/7 AI-powered guidance tailored to your specific travel document needs. Get accurate, up-to-date information and a clear path forward.

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