Your Canadian passport might look ordinary in daylight, but it's hiding a magical secret that transforms it into something out of a fairy tale.
There's a little surprise tucked inside, and if you know how to reveal it, you can see the pages come to life in a truly enchanting way.
Blank visa pages in the new passport that show owls and children playing in winterGovernment of Canada
Under a UV light, the Canadian passport transforms into vibrant, colourful artwork, featuring glowing scenes of landmarks, wildlife, and iconic Canadian landscapes.
According to a representative from the Government of Canada, the earliest confirmed use of UV printing in Canadian passports dates back to 1971, while the first visible artwork was introduced in 2013, featuring four UV colours. Since then, Canada has led the way in UV design, introducing more colours and intricate artwork than any other country.
The passport redesign in 2023 features five colours on the paper pages, plus 12 more on the new polycarbonate data page.
When held beneath a UV light, each page of the Canadian passport transforms with vibrant hues, featuring enchanting movements and details that make the passport very difficult to counterfeit.
Blank visa pages in the new passport that show children on a farm in fall.Government of Canada
The unique designs, developed by the Canadian Bank Note Company, feature microscopic details, intricate linework, and hidden elements for added security.
The 2023 passport features even more UV elements in the security thread and colourful fibres throughout the pages. Its design has been praised worldwide, according to the Government of Canada.
The theme of the 2023 B Series of the Canadian passport is "The Four Seasons."
As you flip through the pages, you'll be taken on a journey through Canada's diverse seasons from spring to summer to fall and winter. As the seasons shift, so do the glowing colours and artwork, representing everyday scenes of Canadian life from coast to coast.
If you have a UV light, take a look at your passport to see what magical scenes are revealed.