Government bracing for surge in passport renewals after border announcement
CTV
The government is bracing itself for a surge in passport renewals and other services after news that the Canada - U.S. land border will re-open in November
He was surprised to discover line-ups out the door. The security guard told people they'd likely be waiting two, even three hours. But with a long-awaited trip to Mexico on the horizon -- his first overseas trip since the pandemic began -- he stuck it out.
"I've been waiting to travel for quite a long time," Shoel said after applying for his passport Friday. "I'm ready to get back out there and start traveling."
He's not the only one. Shoel and his fellow travellers in line may be part of the deluge of passport applications Canadian officials are braced for.
Urgent passport services have been available throughout the pandemic, but with borders closed and public health measures in place most people had little use for them.