I went to the Whitby passport office to apply for Canadian passports for me and my wife. No appointments available so decided to go for walk-in. Got in at 5:30, there were a few folks ahead of me already and by 8:30, queue had reached the gates of the mall - easily 70-75 people. Gates opened at 8:30 sharp and security guard asked everyone their date of travel, proof of travel (They don’t ask to see it at the gate, just need to hear a Yes) & covid questions. Masks are provided and are mandatory inside.
Once in, I went to see a lady who screened my application, original citizenship certificate, photos and DL/Health card and briefly asked about my travel proof and told that it will be asked for at the counter and gave me a token. Went to the counter when my token number popped up on screen. Lady at the counter then validated my application and asked for the proof of travel. I mention that I Was planning to drive to US and had booking confirmation. I was asked to write a declaration with our names and the hotel addresses where we would be staying along with dates and was asked to sign and date it.
Whole process was quite efficient and smooth. I was out of the mall by 9AM.
they only take the application for those who intend to travel in the next couple of days. You could either take flight tickets or make a booking on hotels.com etc. they just need to have some sort of proof that you’re traveling.
I was told that my passport will be dispassed on June 22 and should get delivered in two days time. My date of travel and application was July 1.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
