Before booking a destination wedding, every guest should confirm they have a valid passport. Whether travelling from Canada, the United States, or another country, a passport is one of the most important travel documents required for international travel.

Who Needs a Passport?

In most cases, every person travelling internationally needs their own valid passport, including infants, children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. Children cannot travel on a parent’s passport.

For destination weddings in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and many other international destinations, guests should ensure their passport is valid before booking travel.

Some countries also require that your passport be valid for a certain period beyond your travel dates. A common recommendation is to have at least six months of validity remaining, although requirements vary by destination and nationality.

Canadian Passport Information

Canadian citizens should apply for or renew their passport through the official Government of Canada passport website.

Processing times can vary depending on how and where you apply. As of current Government of Canada service standards, passport applications generally range from 10 to 20 business days plus mailing time, depending on the application method and service location. Travellers should not finalize travel plans until they have received their passport.

For official Canadian passport information, visit the Government of Canada passport pages:

• Apply for a Canadian passport

• Check Canadian passport processing times

U.S. Passport Information

U.S. citizens should apply for or renew their passport through the official U.S. Department of State passport website.

Current U.S. passport processing times are generally:

• Routine service: 4–6 weeks

• Expedited service: 2–3 weeks

• Urgent travel: appointment required with proof of international travel

For official U.S. passport information, visit the U.S. Department of State passport pages:

• U.S. Passports

• U.S. Passport Processing Times

Why Couples Should Discuss Passports Early

Passports should be discussed as soon as you send save-the-dates or wedding travel information. Some guests may not realize their passport is expired, damaged, under their previous name, or close to expiry.

This is especially important for:

• Guests who have never travelled internationally.

• Children who need their first passport.

• Guests whose passport expires within the next year.

• Guests who recently changed their name.

• Guests travelling from outside Canada or the United States.

Passport Names Must Match Travel Bookings

The name on each guest’s travel reservation must match the name on their passport. Even small spelling differences can cause issues at check-in or boarding.

Guests should confirm:

• Full legal first name.

• Middle name, if required.

• Last name.

• Date of birth.

• Passport expiry date.

If a guest is unsure how their name should appear, they should refer to the exact spelling on their passport.

Guests from Other Countries

Guests who are not Canadian or U.S. citizens should check passport and entry requirements based on their own citizenship, residency status, and destination. Visa or entry requirements may vary depending on nationality.

Destination Weddings with Globetrot can assist with general travel guidance, but guests are responsible for confirming their own passport, visa, and entry requirements with the appropriate government authorities.

Our Recommendation

We recommend that every guest check their passport before placing a deposit on their destination wedding travel. Ideally, passports should be valid well beyond the return date of travel.

A destination wedding should be exciting, not stressful. Confirming passport details early helps avoid last-minute emergencies and ensures your family and friends are ready to celebrate with you in paradise.