Security Access Control (Port Pass)

Access to all roadways, terminals, and facilities at the Port of Vancouver is administered by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Port Pass program and, when required, Transport Canada’s Marine Transportation Security Clearance program. 

Port Pass

The Port Pass is a photo identification card used to identify personnel authorized to access the Port of Vancouver. Anyone who needs access to port property more than five times per month or 12 times per year should have a valid Port Pass.  

The Port Pass program also incorporates Transport Canada’s Marine Transportation Security Clearance (MTSC) program for those who require access to restricted areas or information. 

Applying for a new Port Pass

Step 1: Obtain sponsorship 

  • Employees of port terminals/facilities: Your employer is responsible for completing and submitting a Port Pass sponsorship request form to [email protected] and [email protected] (if MTSC is required) 
  • Contractors, consultants, and regular visitors: The card issuing authority associated with your business service (see below) will complete and submit a Port Pass sponsorship request to the terminal/facility where you will be working. Please follow the process outlined on card issuing authority’s website (linked below). 
Card issuing authority Business services
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
  • Government regulatory agencies
Chamber of Shipping of BC
  • Ship agents
  • Marine industry services (i.e chandlers)
  • Ship suppliers, support services or anyone with direct interaction with a ship
  • General contractors providing services for the port community at large (i.e construction services)
British Columbia Trucking Association
  • British Columbia Trucking Association members who service the port
  • All motor carriers over 5,000 kg
  • Motor carrier support services that service the port
SSA Marine 
  • Services related to the cruise industry
  • Limousine services that service the cruise industry possess a permit from the Motor Carrier Association of British Columbia

Step 2:  Complete your Port Pass application 

Once your sponsorship request has been submitted, you will receive a Port Pass application form link by email. After you complete the application, you will receive a link by email to book a Port Pass appointment at the Marine Transportation Security Clearance Enrolment Office, located at the cruise ship level of Canada Place. 

Step 3: Attend your Port Pass appointment 

Please bring the I.D. you listed on your Port Pass application and any previously issued Port Passes (if applicable) to your appointment. 

Acceptable I.D.  I.D. not accepted 
  • British Columbia driver’s license 
  • British Columbia identification card 
  • Canadian passport 
  • FAST membership card 
  • NEXUS card 
  • Other Canadian government-issued photo identification 
  • Non-Canadian government-issued photo identification 
  • Personal bank card 
  • Personal or business credit card 
  • Social insurance card 
  • Interim driver’s license 

Replacing a lost Port Pass

If you lose your Port Pass, please:  

  1. contact your card issuing authority right away to have the pass deactivated 
  2. complete a Port Pass application to apply for a new pass 
  3. pay the recovery fee to collect your replacement pass 

Port Pass recovery fees 

  • First lost Port Pass: $60 
  • Second lost Port Pass: $100 
  • Third or subsequent lost Port Pass: $150 and an interview with port authority security