Do I need to renew my passport or other documents before departure?

Planning a long trip abroad, a temporary work placement, or a permanent move from Canada requires careful preparation, not only in terms of your itinerary and tickets, but also your documentation. Even minor gaps in the validity of your passport, permanent residence permit, or other official documents can lead to delays at the border, visa refusal, or difficulties returning to Canada. In this article, we will take a detailed look at which documents you should update before leaving the country, in which cases it is mandatory, and when it is only recommended.

1. Ukrainian passport (or passport of another country)

A passport is the main and indispensable document for leaving Canada. If your foreign passport expires during your trip or shortly after your return, be sure to renew it. Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months after your return date.

In Ukraine, you can renew your foreign passport through the State Migration Service or consular offices abroad. In Canada, you can do this at one of the Ukrainian consulates in Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver. The procedure includes filling out a form, submitting photos, submitting a preliminary application through the “Derzhava i Ya” electronic office, and a personal visit. It usually takes 20 to 60 business days to get a new passport, so plan to submit your application at least two to three months before your departure.

If you plan to travel not only to Ukraine but also to other countries, pay attention to the requirements of each country. For example, for some countries in Asia or Latin America, your passport must be valid for at least nine months after entry.

2. Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

For permanent residents of Canada, the PR Card is official proof of status required to re-enter the country after traveling abroad. Even if you have a biometric ID card from another country, immigration officers will not allow you to enter Canada without a valid PR Card.

The PR Card is issued for a period of five years (previously three years), and you can apply for an extension up to one year before the expiry date. For those outside Canada, there is the option of obtaining a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) from the consulate. However, this procedure is longer and more expensive than a regular PR Card renewal, so it is advisable to renew your card in advance in Canada.

If your PR Card expires less than six months before your departure date, apply immediately. Obtaining a PRTD can take up to 60 days, and sometimes longer, which may delay your return home.

3. Driver's license and other permits

If you plan to rent a car or drive your own car abroad, check:

• whether your Canadian license is recognized in the country you are traveling to;
• whether you need an international driver's license (IDP).

An international license is only a translation of your license and does not replace it, but it facilitates communication with local authorities and insurers. You can obtain an IDP through any branch of the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

In addition to your driver's license, if you have professional licenses (doctor, lawyer, engineer), find out how your certificates are recognized abroad and whether they need to be renewed or notarized before you travel.

4. Medical insurance and medical certificates

Although not an official “document” in the usual sense, medical insurance is mandatory in many countries. Even if you have provincial health insurance in Canada (Alberta Health Care), it is only valid in Alberta. Before you leave, be sure to purchase travel medical insurance that covers not only emergencies but also repatriation.

If you are traveling with children, elderly parents, or people with chronic illnesses, bring medical certificates in English (or the language of the destination country) indicating the diagnosis, treatment regimen, allergens, and contact information for your doctors. In some cases, countries require vaccination certificates (e.g., against yellow fever) or PCR test results.

5. Identification documents: SIN, Birth Certificate, PR Card copy

When traveling abroad, a copy of your birth certificate, social insurance card (SIN), and provincial ID card may be useful in case your passport or PR Card is lost or stolen. Although these documents are not officially recognized for border crossings, copies will help in the process of restoration and proof of identity at the consulate or immigration office. Make color scans and upload them to a secure cloud storage service (such as Google Drive or Dropbox) so that you can access them if necessary. In addition, copies stored in your luggage will make it easier to deal with local police and insurers.

6. Tax reporting and CRA account

When planning a long trip or permanent move, don't forget about your tax obligations to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If you plan to live abroad temporarily, keep your address in your CRA MyAccount online account so you can receive notifications and payment details.

Canadian property owners who rent out their homes while away must file Form T776 and report their income and expenses on their annual tax return. Failure to file or pay may result in penalties. If you do not plan to return within a year or longer, check the double taxation rules with your destination country to avoid unnecessary payments.

7. Bank cards and financial documents

Check the expiry date of your credit and debit cards – many banks allow up to a month to replace cards. If your card expires in a month or two, order a new one in advance. Notify your bank of your travel plans or change your international transaction settings, otherwise your transactions abroad may be blocked.

Also, before you travel, obtain account statements and balance certificates, which may be required for renting accommodation or obtaining a long-stay visa in your destination country.

8. Professional and personal licenses

If you are a doctor, teacher, engineer, or have another profession, check the expiration dates of your licenses and certificates. Some professional bodies require regular recertification or confirmation of continuing education. Update these documents before you leave to avoid career interruptions or employment problems abroad.

9. Familiarize yourself with the requirements of your destination country

Each country has its own entry requirements: visa, invitation, criminal record check, medical insurance, or certain certificates. Check the official website of the embassy or consulate of the country you are traveling to and clarify the list of required documents.

For example, for long-term work in the EU, you need a certificate of no criminal record translated into the language of the destination country and certified with an apostille. To study in the United States, you need a I-20 form and proof of financial solvency.

Conclusion

Before leaving Canada, make sure that all key documents are valid and complete: passport, PR Card, driver's license and professional licenses, as well as the necessary certificates and insurance. Improperly updated or missing documents can lead to travel disruptions, delays, financial losses, or even loss of the right to return. Therefore, plan ahead—two to three months before departure—and keep copies of all documents in a safe place, both online and offline. This approach will ensure peace of mind and safety during your trip abroad.