Canadian Passport Locations: Where to Take Passport Photos

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a brand-new backpacker, there always comes a time when you need to get a new passport photo taken. It's a fact of life. Whether you are traveling right now or you are planning to set off on your trip-of-a-lifetime soon, everyone should know where to take passport photos.

To save a travel headache, we are here to help you! We have put together a detailed guide to getting your passport photo done. It's time to stop worrying about the paperwork and start preparing for your trip!

Photos Unlimited at Walmart

Price: $15.99 CAD
You can find Photos Unlimited in 240 Walmarts across Canada. The photos are ready instantly and you do not need to book an appointment. All of the passport photos taken here adhere to Canadian regulations and work for citizenship, travel visas, and permanent residency documents as well.  Moreover, if your photo is rejected as part of your passport application you can receive a full refund of the photograph if you present a copy of the rejection letter. Photos Unlimited at Walmart
 

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The Costco Photo Center

Price: $6.99 CAD
Most Costco stores in Canada will offer a passport photo service, which can also be used on any other official document, such as a visa or driving license. The Costco Photo Center takes two passport-sized photos of you for just $6.99 and will make sure that they are ready to collect by the time you have completed your shopping. The Costco Photo Center
 

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Passport Information from Government of Canada

 

 

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Local Camera Shops

In large cities, such as Toronto and Calgary, you will also find a number of camera shops. Many of these will offer a passport photo service. Before you hand over any money make sure that the process is going to be professional enough for your needs. Check that the photo is set to meet all of the requirements and above and make sure you find out when you will receive the photos, especially if you need to apply for your passport soon.
 

Independent Photographer

It's less reliable, but it is an option to hire an independent professional photographer to take your photograph. This will be location dependent, but will be easy enough to find. Before you book your photographer, however, make sure you check their fees, and how many images you will be provided with at the end of the session. For example, if you need a number of photos for professional documents and you need these printed and cut, make sure this is included in the fee or negotiate this cost.
 

Taking a Photo Yourself

This is not advised, as per the above statement from the Canadian Government: photos are to be taken by a commercial photographer. However, if your friend is handy with a camera and you have all of the equipment to meet the needs of the photo then it might be possible to take the photograph yourself. Just remember that you will also need to pay to have the photo printed and so  it might not be worth the effort and may cost you more money in the long run.
 

Where should I have my passport photo taken?

The easiest, cheapest and most reliable option for Canadian passport locations has to be Costco. It's likely that there will be a store near you that offers the service, you know the photo will be accepted by the Canadian Government, and it costs just $6.99! If you know somewhere professional enough to get your photo printed, and you know where to take passport photos of high enough quality, then you can do it yourself - although it seems like it will take longer, and cost more in the long run.