In focus

• Keep your passport safe
  Remember to keep your passport safe while travelling. Don't leave it unattended in your luggage, vehicle, hotel or elsewhere. Carry it in your money belt, inside coat pocket or purse, or lock it in your hotel safe.
• Do you know what to do if you have an emergency while abroad?
  Contact the Emergency Operations Centre operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Emergency Operations Centre offers assistance to Canadians in case of an emergency situation abroad.
• Before you go, check your passport's expiry date
  Many countries require that your passport be valid for several months after your planned departure date from that country. Because each country sets its own rules, you should consult the travel reports of the countries you will be visiting before you go.
• Need to travel in a hurry?
  If so, you should apply for a passport in person at a Passport Canada office. For an extra fee, you can expedite processing. Proof of travel may be required. Learn more about urgent and express applications.
• Passport services may be closer than you think
  About 95% of people living in Canada have a passport point of service within 100 km of their home. Passport Canada's service delivery network is made up of 34 regional offices and 200 receiving agent locations (56 Canada Post outlets and 144 Service Canada Centres). Find the point of service nearest you.