Switzerland Joins Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Hungary, Poland, Romania, And More Than Thirty-Six Countries In Europe In Grappling With Rising Travel Costs As Canada Announces Passport Fee Increases In March 2026

Published on
March 3, 2026

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Switzerland joins Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and more than thirty-six countries in Europe in facing major travel disruptions as Canada increases passport fees starting March 31, 2026. This fee hike, a 2.7% increase aligned with inflation, will affect all passport and travel document services issued both inside and outside Canada. The change comes as part of the Canadian government’s effort to align the cost of its passport program with its operational expenses, which have been rising over the years. With this move, Canadian travellers, particularly those heading to Europe, will face higher costs for obtaining or renewing their passports, impacting travel plans across the globe.

In a move that will affect millions of travellers, the Canadian government has announced an increase in passport fees, which will take effect on March 31, 2026. This change will not only impact Canadian citizens but also ripple through travel corridors worldwide, with particular disruption felt across Europe. The fee hikes will be applied to all passports, travel documents, and related services both inside Canada and abroad. European countries will find themselves facing new challenges as the Canadian government aligns its passport costs with inflation. This article will delve into the details of this price increase, why it’s happening, which countries are affected, and what this means for travellers heading to and from Canada.

Canada’s Passport Fee Hike: What You Need to Know

On March 31, 2026, Canadians will be required to pay more for their passports. This marks the first increase in passport fees in more than two years. The hike is set at 2.7%, in line with Canada’s April 2024 All-items Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks inflation rates. What does this mean for Canadian travellers? Let’s break it down with the numbers:

• The current cost for a 10-year adult passport made within Canada is approximately CAD $120. After the fee hike, this will rise to approximately CAD $123.2.
• A child passport, currently priced at CAD $57, will rise to around CAD $58.5.

Though the fee increase is a relatively modest adjustment, it is part of a broader, long-term shift in how passport-related costs will be managed. Not only will the fees increase by inflation each year, but the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has indicated that the fee structure is under review, with a potential shift to a more sustainable model in the future.

Why Are Passport Fees Increasing?

Many Canadians are wondering why these fees are going up now. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the decision to adjust passport fees comes from the need to better align the costs of operating the passport program with the revenue it generates. The current fee structure, which does not fully account for the program’s costs, was proving inadequate.

While some administrative costs are covered, the Canadian government says that 85% of the program’s operational expenses are not currently being reflected in the fees. If the adjustments were based on the previous formulas, passport fees for abroad applications could have gone up by as much as 20%.

The Rise in Fees is Just the Beginning

The fee increase that begins on March 31, 2026, is not a one-off event. In fact, it marks the start of an annual price adjustment process tied to the CPI. This means that Canadians can expect passport fees to continue rising each year, in line with inflation.

The Canadian government has outlined that this annual adjustment will continue until the comprehensive fee structure review is complete. Once the review is done, the IRCC will engage in a public consultation process to determine the most sustainable and accurate way to manage passport fees moving forward.

For now, the adjustment is tied to Canada’s CPI, ensuring that the fees keep up with inflation, but the overall structure may change depending on future consultations.

The Passport Program: More Than Just Fees

In addition to the annual fee increases, Canada’s passport program is undergoing a significant overhaul. The government acknowledges that the current fee structure doesn’t reflect the true cost of operations and is planning adjustments based on real operational costs. This will include a detailed breakdown of passport processing, the logistics of issuance, and maintenance of passport security measures.

As noted earlier, if the program were to raise fees to cover these costs immediately, abroad applications would face an increase of 20%, while domestic applications would only see a 1% decrease. However, domestic applications account for around 90-95% of all Canadian passport requests. This imbalance is a key reason behind the current review.

Which European Countries Will Be Affected by Canada’s Passport Fee Increase?

The impact of Canada’s passport fee increase isn’t limited to Canadian residents. Since Canadians can travel visa-free or with minimal entry requirements to most European countries, these changes will indirectly affect travellers heading to or coming from Europe. Below is a list of the countries in Europe that will be impacted by the fee increase for Canadian passport holders.

European Countries Affected by Canada’s Passport Fee Increase

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Croatia
4. Cyprus
5. Czech Republic
6. Denmark
7. Estonia
8. Finland
9. France
10. Germany
11. Greece
12. Hungary
13. Iceland
14. Ireland
15. Italy
16. Latvia
17. Lithuania
18. Luxembourg
19. Malta
20. Netherlands
21. Norway
22. Poland
23. Portugal
24. Romania
25. Slovakia
26. Slovenia
27. Spain
28. Sweden
29. Switzerland
30. United Kingdom
31. Andorra (visa-free via Spain)
32. Monaco (visa-free via France)
33. San Marino (visa-free via Italy)
34. Vatican City (visa-free via Italy)
35. Liechtenstein (visa-free via Switzerland)
36. Norway (visa-free via Schengen)

How Will Canadian Passport Holders be Affected in Europe?

The most immediate effect on Canadian travellers heading to Europe will be the increased cost of obtaining or renewing their passports. European nations will continue to offer visa-free access to Canadian passport holders, but the increase in passport fees means Canadians will need to account for higher costs when planning trips.

Future Impacts: Starting 2026, Canada will also implement the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for certain European destinations. Although ETIAS is a separate cost (around €20), it adds to the overall travel expenditure for Canadians visiting countries in the Schengen Area.

A Strong Canadian Passport: Still a Leading Travel Document

Despite the increase in passport fees, the Canadian passport remains one of the strongest passports in the world. According to the Henley Passport Index, Canada ranks 8th globally, giving its holders visa-free access to 181 destinations. This places Canada ahead of the United States, which ranks 10th in the 2026 index.

The Canadian passport’s strong ranking also means that, despite the fee hikes, Canadians continue to enjoy unparalleled access to countries worldwide, particularly in Europe. The passport’s high standing is based on strong diplomatic ties, allowing citizens to travel freely to the majority of European destinations without the need for a visa.

What Does This Mean for Canadian Travellers?

The reality is that the passport fee increase is a modest yet significant change that will affect the budgeting and planning of Canadian travellers heading to Europe. However, Canada’s strong passport status ensures that citizens will continue to enjoy substantial travel freedom across the continent. This move is part of a broader strategy to maintain the financial sustainability of the Canadian Passport Program, which will, in turn, benefit Canadian citizens by maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the passport issuance process.

In the coming months, Canadian travellers will need to factor in these fee changes as part of their travel plans, ensuring that they account for passport costs as well as any new ETIAS requirements for travel within Europe.

As Canada prepares to raise passport fees starting March 31, 2026, European countries including Germany, Switzerland, Poland, and more than thirty others will see increased travel barriers. These fee increases, while modest, will affect millions of travellers from Canada as they prepare to embark on trips across Europe. Whether it’s for business or leisure, the reality is that Canadians will face higher costs to obtain their travel documents. As part of an annual adjustment process, passport fees will continue to rise in line with inflation, ensuring that Canada’s Passport Program remains financially viable.

Switzerland joins Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and more than thirty-six countries in Europe in facing major travel disruptions as Canada raises passport fees starting March 31, 2026, due to the government’s efforts to align passport costs with inflation and the true operational expenses of its passport program.

As Canadians head into 2026, the need to be aware of these increased costs will be critical for those planning European adventures. Be prepared, plan ahead, and take into account the growing costs of travel as Canada’s passport fees rise, alongside the evolving ETIAS requirements.