The ten day countdown until Christmas Day is on as residents are preparing to travel far and wide for the holidays.

One essential needed during your travels, whether in the short-term or long-term, is your Canadian passport and making sure it is renewed.

Airline flights are the busiest during the holiday season and surely, the passport offices will be at peak busy hours for the remainder of the year. If you have not already sent your passport application or renewal yet, it may be difficult to grab your passport in time for your flight.

But, there may be a solution.

Residents flying in a few days and needing a passport can apply for a special authorization. If approved, it will allow the person to board the flight with a valid non-Canadian passport. This special authorization is available until January 31, 2017.

As 2017 is just around the corner, it is important to check when your passport expires. Expiry dates can be found within the passport identification page. The government offers Canadians either five or ten-year terms for renewing a passport for adults (age 16 and up). A five-year renewal will cost $120, and the ten-year renewal plan is $40 more at $160. A child passport (age 0-15) is $57.

For valid stolen or lost passports, a fee of $45 will be charged.

Always remember to send your passport application or renewal in the mail as early as possible to assure you receive your passport in time for your travels. If possible, visit a passport office for a reduced delay in waiting for your passport.

In-person passport duties can be taken care of at the Saskatoon building on 22nd Street East or you can contact your nearest Service Canada office for more information.

Find out more about the special authorization here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/dual-canadian-citizens.asp#findOut