Port Pass

The Québec Port Authority (QPA) issues Port Passes for its facilities and sectors. 

Read this section carefully before requesting a pass. Incomplete requests will be rejected.

Who can obtain a Port Pass?

  • Employees of companies operating at the Port of Québec.
  • Suppliers to companies operating at the Port of Québec.
  • Anyone who needs to visit the Port of Québec regularly.

How do you request a Port Pass?

Employees of Port of Québec users and companies operating at the Port:

Each user or company operating at the Port has a designated person who can make and authorize Port Pass requests. Please apply through this person.

Customers and suppliers of Port of Québec users and companies operating at the Port:

Applicants must receive written authorization from the company in question and send it to the QPA’s Security Officer. The pass will be issued once the authorization is received.

Shipowners:

Shipowners must apply to the QPA Security Officer for passes on behalf of their employees and suppliers.

All other pass applicants must receive authorization from a user, a company operating at the Port, or the QPA Security Officer.

Send your request:

You can request a paper form or email a completed form and photo (JPG format; low resolution accepted) of the applicant to [email protected].

Pass fees

There is a fee for each pass, payable by the applicant upon receipt. The cost can also be paid by the employer if the company makes arrangements with the QPA Security Officer.

Port Pass fees

Service Prix
First application $61,38
Replacement (theft/loss/destruction) $61,38
Sticker replacement $30,69
Renewal (every 5 years) $30,69
Reactivation after suspension by the QPA $30,69
Temporary RA pass issued by the QPA $30,69
Penalty for failure to return $61,38

Production and delivery of Port Passes

The pass will be produced as soon as possible. It will be given to the applicant upon presentation of two (2) official and valid pieces of identification, such as:

  • Driver’s licence;
  • Health card;
  • Passport;
  • Government-issued photo ID;
  • Pass from another Canadian port.

The QPA reserves the right to refuse to issue a pass if it believes that the motives of the request are illegitimate or insufficient.

Port Pass: Regulations in brief

Under the Marine Transportation Security Regulations, anyone who is required to work in restricted areas, as described in the QPA’s security plan or in the security plans of Port users, must obtain a pass.

The pass is a piece of ID that must be carried by anyone wishing to enter a restricted area. Transport Canada requires the holder to wear it at all times, and keep it visible on clothing and above the waist.

  • The pass cannot be loaned out.
  • If a pass is lost or stolen, the holder must notify the Port of Québec immediately.
  • The Port Pass may not be used for any purpose other than the holder’s official duties.
  • The pass cannot be altered or otherwise modified.
  • No one may receive a pass without prior authorization. The QPA’s Security Officer is responsible for assessing exceptional cases.
  • The Security Officer or company representative is responsible for taking back any pass that has become useless for any reason whatsoever and returning it to the Port of Québec.
  • Companies doing business in the Port that require passes to access a restricted area may pay for passes for all their employees after making arrangements for payment, mailing, and return of the passes.
  • Security officers for Port users who hold security certificates may include the distribution and return of employees’ and suppliers’ Port Passes in the user’s security plan. In this case, they will take legal responsibility for the passes. Port Passes will be sent directly to the user’s security officer once they have been produced.
  • Applicants for Restricted Area 2 passes (for cruise services with security clearance) must complete the Transportation Security Clearance Application form on Transport Canada’s website here, then contact the QPA to make an appointment to complete the process (see contact section below). This application is free, but make sure to plan ahead and apply early, as applications can take several months to process.
  • Once the security clearance is granted, the Port Pass holder will receive a new pass indicating their clearance.
  • The holder agrees to comply with all applicable laws and Québec Port Authority regulations.

Returning Port Passes

Port Passes that have become useless must be returned to the Port of Québec so they can be cancelled. Port Passes remain the property of the Port of Québec at all times. They must be returned on request.

Suspension and seizure of Port Passes

  • Port Passes will not be recognized as valid after expiry.
  • Passes that are unused for six (6) months will be automatically suspended, and holders will be required to prove their need before having them reactivated (at no cost).
  • Any person caught fraudulently using a Port Pass will have it seized immediately and a formal complaint will be sent to the QPA Security Officer and Transport Canada’s marine security. The holder’s access to the Port of Québec will be suspended immediately.
  • Port Pass holders who fail to comply with QPA regulations will have their passes seized immediately and their access to the Port of Québec suspended.

Useful contacts

If you have any questions about passes or security clearance, please contact the Port of Québec Control Center.

Open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For any other questions, please contact the Harbour Master’s Office: