Canada Unveils New Passport Design with Advanced Security Features
Today, May 5, 2023, Canada introduced a newly designed passport that includes state-of-the-art security features, celebrating the country’s heritage and identity. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, unveiled the new passport in Ottawa, which maintains its status as one of the most secure and universally accepted travel documents in the world.
It is important to mention that the Canadian passport has long served as more than just a travel document. It signifies the culmination of a long immigration journey for new citizens. Moreover, it’s a ticket to adventure for others. Above all, it embodies the values that Canada holds dear: freedom, democracy, and human rights. Now, the iconic passport is set to undergo a significant transformation.
This article will detail the new features of the passport and how it benefits Canadian passport holders.
A New Era of Security
The security enhancements include a polycarbonate data page, similar to those found in Canadian driver’s licenses. This makes the data page more durable and resistant to tampering and counterfeiting.
Passport holders’ personal details will now be laser engraved rather than printed, bolstering the page’s durability and resistance to tampering and forgery. Additionally, the passport features:
- a Kinegram over the primary photo,
- a custom see-through window with a secondary image of the holder,
- a variable laser image, and
- a temperature-sensitive ink feature.
In addition, the new passport will feature an embedded electronic chip in a transparent window on the first page, facilitating better detection of tampering attempts.
New Artwork and Design
The redesigned passport isn’t just about security—it also celebrates Canada’s rich cultural heritage and identity. The new passport feature iconic images showcasing the country’s stunning natural beauty across the four seasons. It also introduces a refreshed cover design, sporting an outline of a maple leaf, the first major design shift in several decades.
Canada plans to launch the new passport later this summer. However, the existing passport remains secure and reliable. Canadians with valid passports will only need to consider renewal as they near the regular expiry date. Further details about the roll-out will be disclosed in due course.
Digitizing the Passport Experience
The Canadian government is also focused on digitizing services for its citizens. From later this fall, Canadians will be able to renew their passports, pay associated fees, and upload their photographs securely and conveniently online. This significant step towards digital transformation will streamline processes and enhance user experience.
The Honourable Sean Fraser expressed the symbolic importance of the redesigned passport, stating, “The new Canadian passport is more than a travel document; it is a representation of our national identity and values. It reflects the country’s commitment to welcoming people from all around the world.”
As part of the ongoing modernization efforts, a new online Passport Application Status Checker was launched on March 21, 2023, enabling Canadians to monitor their passport application status online.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
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