How to Renew a Canadian Passport in the UK: Complete Guide

If you're a Canadian citizen living in the UK and planning international travel, ensure your passport is valid. It's wise to renew your passport while in the UK to avoid any potential travel hassles.

This guide covers everything about how to renew a Canadian passport in England, including what documents to prepare and where to get a compliant photo.

Table of contents

• Who is Eligible to Apply for a Canadian Passport in the UK
• Simplified vs. Regular Passport Renewal
• Where to Renew a Canadian Passport in the UK
• Step-by-Step Canadian Passport Renewal Process in the UK
• Documents Checklist
• Canadian Passport Photo Requirements
• Get a 5×7 Photo for a Canadian Passport Online!
• Where to Print a Passport-Sized Photo in the UK?
• Canada Passport Fees
• Canada Passport Renewal Processing Time in the UK
• FAQ

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Canadian Passport in the UK

Any Canadian temporarily visiting, studying, working, or living long-term in the UK can submit a renewal application to the Canadian High Commission in London. The permanent residence status or any specific visa is not required.

You can apply for a Canadian passport renewal from the UK if:

• You were born in Canada and have a provincial or territorial birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
• You became a Canadian citizen through naturalization and have a citizenship, naturalization, or retention certificate.
• You were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent and hold or can obtain a citizenship certificate.

Simplified vs. Regular Passport Renewal

In the UK, Canadian citizens can renew their passports through a simplified process if they meet specific criteria. Otherwise, they must follow the regular application method. Here, you’ll learn which option applies to your situation.

Simplified Renewal Criteria

Use the simplified form (PPTC 482 or its UK equivalent) if all conditions apply:

• You were 16 or older when your last passport was issued.
• You submit your most recent regular Canadian passport, which is undamaged and hasn't been lost or stolen.
• The previous passport was valid for 5 years, issued in Canada and expired within the past year, or issued abroad after April 30, 2006.
• Your name is unchanged.

Regular Renewal Process

If you don't meet the simplified criteria (such as if your name has changed, your passport is lost, or you're applying for your first adult passport), follow the regular process:

• Use the full Adult General form (PPTC 040 or PPTC 153).
• Include proof of citizenship (birth or citizenship certificate), valid ID, a guarantor, and signed photos.

This process requires additional documentation and takes longer.

Where to Renew a Canadian Passport in the UK

Passport renewals from the UK are handled through official Canadian government channels, not local UK authorities. Below, we outline where you can submit applications and which offices are involved in Canadian passport renewals.

Although Canada does not have an embassy in London, it does have a High Commission, which is the equivalent for Commonwealth nations. This is the designated location for all Canadians in the UK, including those in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. No other renewal offices are available elsewhere in the UK.

The High Commission is located at Canada House and handles passports, visas, and consular services for Canadians in the UK. Visit Canada House at Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BJ for services. For inquiries, call +44 20 7004 6000 or email London.passport@international.gc.ca.

Note: Do not confuse this with Service Canada offices in locations like London, Ontario. Those are for services in Canada only.

Step-by-Step Canadian Passport Renewal Process in the UK

Canadian citizens can renew their passports via mail or by dropping the application off at the High Commission in London. Here is how to apply for a Canadian passport in the UK:

1. Determine your eligibility with one of the following forms:

   • Form PPTC 482 for a simplified renewal;

   • Or, Form PPTC 040 for a regular application.

2. Download the required form from the official Canada.ca website. Complete it electronically, print, and sign within 12 months. Be sure to include personal details and your addresses or employment history for the past two years.

3. Collect all necessary documents and passport photos.

4. Pay the renewal fees and print the payment receipt.

5. Submit your application: Send it tracked via Royal Mail Special Delivery or deliver it in person at Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BJ, Monday to Friday, 8 am - 4 pm. Online renewal is not available for those outside Canada.

6. Your new passport will be mailed to you, and your old passport will be returned, voided.

Documents Checklist

For a simplified Canadian passport renewal from abroad, you will need the following:

• A completed and signed Canadian passport renewal form from the UK: PPTC 482 (both pages dated within the last 12 months).
• Two identical passport photos.
• Your most recent Canadian passport (original).
• Optionally, provide addresses and employment details for the past two years if they've changed.

For a regular Canadian passport renewal from the UK:

• Filled out and signed Form PPTC 040.
• Two identical photos, signed on the back by your guarantor.
• Proof of Canadian citizenship (original birth certificate or citizenship certificate).
• Your previous passport, if available.
• One government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, foreign passport).
• Name change documents if applicable (e.g., marriage certificate, deed poll).
• Guarantor declaration from someone who has known you for at least two years.

Ensure you include a prepaid tracked return envelope for mailing back your passport.

Important: Always use up-to-date official forms from canada.ca, as requirements may change.

Canadian Passport Photo Requirements

Passport photos must meet strict government standards, even when taken outside Canada. Make sure your photo adheres to these criteria:

• The photo size must be 5×7 cm (2 × 2¾ inches).
• Your face should measure between 31 mm (1¼ inches) and 36 mm (1⁷⁄₁₆ inches) from chin to head top.
• Use a plain white or light-colored background that contrasts with your face.
• Ensure the photo is clear, sharp, and focused.
• Use uniform lighting with no shadows, glare, or flash reflections.
• Maintain a neutral expression with open eyes and a closed mouth. No smiling.
• Center your face and shoulders squarely to the camera, avoiding any tilt.
• Headwear is allowed only for religious or medical reasons.
• Glasses are permitted only if there is no glare and your eyes are clearly visible.
• Ensure the photo is taken within the last six months.

For simplified renewals, photos do not require a signature. For regular renewals, the guarantor must sign the back of the photos.

Here is a photo example:

Get a 5×7 Photo for a Canadian Passport Online!

Learn how to take a passport photo at home that meets all official Canadian requirements.

Thanks to online tools, visiting a photo studio is no longer necessary. With Visafoto, a top-rated online photo editing service, you can quickly create a compliant photo in two easy steps:

1. Take a photo in natural daylight and upload it to the Visafoto tool below.
2. Choose the country and document type (e.g., Canada, passport).

That's it! Visafoto will automatically adjust the background, dimensions, and head positioning to ensure that your photo meets all official guidelines. You’ll receive a digital version suitable for online use and a print-ready format.

Here’s an example of what you can upload to Visafoto:

The result after Visafoto's adjustments:

Visafoto has a 99.7% acceptance rate with over 500,000 successful photos. We guarantee compliance with official standards or offer a full refund. Our tech support is available 24/7 to assist with any concerns.

Where to Print a Passport-Sized Photo in the UK?

Once your passport photo meets Canadian specifications, it must be printed correctly to remain valid. Read on to learn about the reliable options in the UK for printing compliant passport photos.

Visafoto provides you with two formats: a digital passport-sized photo for online submissions and a printable template on 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) paper that includes two 5×7 cm passport photos.

In the UK, use photo booths or studios that are familiar with Canadian specifications, such as Timpson or Snappy Snaps. Confirm 50×70 mm output – not UK 35×45 mm. Many services allow you to order and pay online, with the option to collect prints at your convenience.

Alternatively, if you have a color printer, you can print at home. Here are the steps:

1. Use 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) photo paper.
2. Open the photo template from Visafoto on your computer.
3. Right-click the file, then select Print.

Where to print a passport-size photo in the UK: Tesco, Boots CEWE, and other budget-friendly options.

Canada Passport Fees

No matter where you are applying from, whether it's the UK or another country, the fees for renewing your Canadian passport are as follows:

• Adult simplified renewal passport application outside Canada (5-year): CAD 100, which includes a consular fee.
• Adult regular/full application abroad:
  • 5-year passport (age 16+): CAD 190
  • 10-year passport (age 16+): CAD 260
• Child passport full application abroad (age 0–15): CAD 100

Additional charges apply for lost or stolen replacements and special services:

• Replacement for lost/stolen passport: additional CAD 45
• Retaining a valid passport while applying for a replacement: additional CAD 45
• Urgent requests, such as those needed due to illness or family emergencies, incur extra fees ranging from CAD 110 to CAD 335.

What is the Cost of a Passport in Canada? Passport Fees Explained

Canada Passport Renewal Processing Time in the UK

Processing times for overseas renewals differ from applications submitted in Canada. Here you’ll learn how long renewals typically take in the UK and what factors can affect the timeline.

For renewals through the High Commission in London, expect a processing period of 20–25 working days, plus mailing time. Once they receive your application, processing begins immediately. Passports are printed in Canada before being mailed back to you.

Check the Processing Times page to see how long it may take to process your application.

FAQ

How early should I renew before expiration?

Renew your Canadian passport in the UK at least six months before it expires. This ensures compliance with the “six-month validity rule” required by over 70 countries. Consider the 20–25 working day processing time and any potential mailing delays.

Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?

When you renew your Canadian passport in the UK, your old passport will be canceled and returned, leaving you without a valid passport for travel. Airlines and countries require a valid passport for entry and check-in. Without one, you risk being denied boarding or entry. However, domestic UK travel is permitted, and dual UK-Canadian citizens can use a UK passport as long as all travel documents match.

Do children need to attend in person?

No. For Canadian child passport applications and renewals in the UK, children typically don’t need to appear in person. Parents or guardians can submit applications by mail or drop-off, except in rare cases where an in-person visit is requested.

Do I need a guarantor when renewing a Canadian passport from the UK?

For simplified renewals (PPTC 482), no guarantor is needed: just submit your old passport. For regular renewals (PPTC 040), a guarantor is required. This must be a Canadian citizen aged 18 or over who has known you for at least two years, or a qualified professional like a doctor or lawyer.

What happens if my passport expires while my renewal is being processed?

Once the old passport expires, it is no longer valid for travel, and you must wait for the new passport to be issued before leaving the UK. If urgent travel becomes unavoidable, you may need to contact the Canadian High Commission in London directly to ask about emergency travel document options. However, such services are not guaranteed outside Canada.

What if my Canadian passport was lost or stolen in the UK?

If your Canadian passport is lost or stolen, report it to the UK police and obtain a crime reference number online or in person. Then, contact the Canadian High Commission in London via email at london.passport@international.gc.ca or by phone at +44 20 7004 6000. To get a replacement passport, submit a full regular application (PPTC 040) and the PPTC 203 declaration form. Also include proof of citizenship/ID, photos, and an additional CAD 45 fee. The approximate total for an adult 5-year passport is CAD 235. Mail or drop off these documents at Canada House.