November 4, 2005 -- Canadians abroad in need of urgent passport services will now be able to apply for a new travel document. Passport Canada is introducing its Temporary Passport, a white, eight-page passport booklet that is compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards regarding machine-readable travel documents.

"This initiative is part of Passport Canada's response to the National Security Policy implemented in April of 2004," said Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew. "The Temporary Passport is further proof of the Government of Canada's commitment to ensuring the Canadian passport remains a highly respected international travel document."

The Temporary Passport will be introduced to Canadians through a pilot project at the Hong Kong mission during November 2005. Upon successful conclusion of the pilot, Passport Canada will implement this initiative around the world by the end March 2006.

To be eligible for a Temporary Passport, the applicant must first apply and pay for a regular passport. A temporary exchange agreement must also be completed and signed. The applicant must agree to exchange the Temporary Passport for a regular, diplomatic or special passport, once it is ready. The Temporary Passport may be issued to Canadians abroad with urgent and proven travel needs, or to meet residency requirements, as some countries require their citizens to have a passport.

The maximum validity of a Temporary Passport is one year and is limited to meet the applicant's submitted travel requirements. The Temporary Passport does not replace the emergency passport for Canadians who find themselves stranded abroad. Canadians at home will still have access to urgent or expedited regular passports, therefore the Temporary Passport will not be available in Canada.