If you're planning a vacation this summer, there's one thing you absolutely can't afford to put off – and that's making sure your passports are up to date. If yours is expiring soon (or if you don't have one to begin with), you should probably act FAST to get your application in – and the first step is getting passport photos.
Lucky for you, there's now one more place where you can go to check this off your list. As of this summer, Walmart Photo Centre locations across Canada now take passport photos!
They're only able to take photos for Canadian passports, but they'll make sure the pictures meet all the Government of Canada's requirements. They need to be taken in-studio (so they're obviously not available online), and it will cost you $12.97 for the two passport photos you need.
Can you take your own passport photos in Canada?
The short answer is no – because you can't take and submit a selfie for your passport photo. According to the Government of Canada website, "Photos for Canadian passports must be taken in person by a commercial photographer or studio." That includes places like Walmart Photo Centre and similar studios.
What are the requirements for a Canadian passport photo?
For a Canadian passport application or renewal, you need to submit two identical and unaltered photos that have been taken within the last six months. A list of Canada's passport photo specifications is available online, but here's a quick guide. They must be taken in-person by a commercial photographer or at a professional studio. The photos will need to be clear, sharp and in focus – and you must have a neutral facial expression (that means no smiling, opening your mouth or closing your eyes, if possible). You're allowed to wear hats or head coverings for religious reasons, but you need to remove your glasses if they cause any glare.
That's a lot cheaper than what they were when I got mine done there back in 2017. I think it cost around $25 when I got mine done then.