As summer travel season quickly approaches and with vacationing often delayed over the last few years during the Covid pandemic, many Canadians are getting ready to see the world again. Whether you are planning a trip to the USA, the Caribbean, or across the pond to explore Europe or even more far-flung destinations, the first thing you need to have ready is your Canadian Passport.

Over the last few years, many Canadians are realizing that their Canadian Passports have expired and are anxious to rectify the situation so they can get to travelling again.

Increased interest in travel in recent months combined with Service Canada’s requirement to follow COVID safety protocols has resulted in delays in Passport processing.

It’s important that the Government of Canada has expanded its simplified renewal application process for Canadian passports. As long as the expired passport has been issued in the last 15 years, Canadians can take advantage of the simplified passport process which means there is no need to provide original documents or have a guarantor. However, 2 photos, 2 references, and the completed form and fees are still required. To apply for or renew a Canadian Passport, simply visit the Government of Canada Passport section to find out all the details you need.

Passport Photo Requirements and Tips

As you prepare to renew your Canadian Passport, we’ve gathered some tips that will help you get a great Passport Photo that will meet the requirements and even flatter you! First, here are the basic requirements that the Government of Canada expects from your Passport Photos:

• Passport Photo Specifications – a quality and reputable Passport Photo Photographer should know all about passport photo requirements including size and image quality (in focus, lighting, background, skin tone, etc.). But it’s good for you to know, to make sure you get photos that will pass inspection with you application. The back of the photos must be stamped with the photographers’ stand and dated.

• Facial Expression – start practicing that neutral expression now. Your Passport Photo is not time to say “cheese” to show off those pearly whites. Your mouth must be closed, and your eyes must be open.

• Appearance and Posture – the main takeaway is that your photo must accurately reflect how you look – so make sure that photo is taken within 6 months (maximum) of the time you send in your passport application. You should be positioned squared to the camera and centred. The background must be white . If you wear glasses, make sure your Passport Photo has your eyes clearly visible with no glare from the glasses obstructing your eyes However, here at Annex Photo, our Passport Photo experts can tell you that it is best to take your photo with no glasses – as there is not guarantee that the photo of the subject with glasses will not be rejected due to perceived glare or eye obstruction. When it comes to hair styles, hats, hair clips, headbands, hair ties, and head coverings, only religious head coverings are acceptable to ensure that your face must be clearly visible. Avoid shiny jewelry or lip gloss. Additionally, Annex Photo recommends that hair cannot touch the eyebrows.

• Special considerations for baby passport photos – as newborns can be tricky to photograph with a neutral expression, a range of facial expressions are acceptable for baby’s passport photos. Since babies are often being held for the passport photo, ensure that parents’/caregivers’ hands are not visible in the passport photo. Also, baby’s hands should also not be visible in the passport photo. Newborns can also be sitting in a car seat for the passport photo, but the requirements are still in place. Also keep in mind that car seat photos can increase the chance of shadows (around baby’s ears, in the background or on the face/shoulders). Here at Annex Photo, our experience demonstrates that car seat Passport Photos are rarely accepted due to the shadow issue, so we would not recommend car seat Passport Photos and do not take them this way. In addition, the Annex Photo team reminds of a few other considerations: baby must be clothed, baby’s mouth must be closed with no teeth showing, baby’s eyes must be open.

Other Passport Photo Tips to Make Sure You Actually Like Your Passport Photo for Years to Come

Canadian Living provides some great tips so that you can get a flattering passport photo:

• Get a good night’s sleep.

• Apply full makeup – but don’t take it too far. You want to look like the best version of yourself, not another person entirely.

• Colour – go with darker coloured clothing or even a strong (but not busy) pattern.

• Hair – ideally, you don’t want to pull back your hair. Having your hair loose will create more differentiation between your face and the background.

• Remove things that will mar your look in advance – hats and helmets will give you unsightly mashed hair and glasses can cause indentations on the bridge of your nose. Given you hair and nose time to recover before getting your Passport Photo taken.

• Review your photo and don’t be to shy to ask for a retake if you are not happy. Usually professional Passport Photographers will show you the digital photo on the camera for approval – so make sure you take a good look before you approve to print.

• Have your photo printed in black and white – always flattering.

Travel experts at Fodor’s add a few of their own Passport Photo tips:

• Opt for a more skilled photographer as drug stores, FedEx and UPS locations may offer Passport Photo services but they tend to hurry and do not have the necessary skills and/or equipment.

• Consider not wearing a strapless top – since Passport Photos are cropped at the chest, it can give the appearance that you’ve disrobed for the photo, which might not be an ideal long-term look you want to go for in your Passport Photo. The Annex Photo team has actually seen cases where bare shoulder Passport Photos are not accepted, so we would not recommend.

• Avoid trendy fashion. Although a great look for you today, it might not play well 10 years from now. Choose an enduring look instead.

• Watch out for hairstyle-driven shadows.

• Striving for a neutral expression? Order a specialty coffee?!?! Try mouthing the word “mocha” – the “uh” creates a soft neutral expression. The Passport Photo experts at Annex Photo recommend a simple gentle hum.

• Can’t stop blinking? Keep your eyes close and open them on 1-2-3.

• Pose – lengthen your neck and extend your chin. It may feel awkward, but it’ll make for a more attractive photo.

• Pack oil-blotting papers to take care of that shine before the photographer snaps that Passport Photo shot.

Trust Canada Passport Photography Experts for You Next Passport Photo

So, if you are ready to travel, make sure you have your Passport ready and get your Passport Photo taken by a professional Passport Photo photographer that is fully equipped to ensure your Passport Photo doesn’t just meet requirements, but also exceeds your expectations.

Visit us at Annex Photo in Toronto to have your Passport Photo taken!