Important Updates and Information
Advisory Notices
Important updates relating to security and other notices.
Links to documents and other resources are shown below:
Passport Canada: Simplified Renewal Process
Passport Canada is reminding Canadians to apply for a passport as early as possible prior to any travel outside Canada.
If travellers are eligible to use the Simplified Renewal Process, they need only provide a completed Simplified Renewal Passport Application (PPTC 054) accompanied by their most recent passport, the required fee (for 24-page passport: adults, C$87; children three to 15, C$37 and children under three, C$22; for 48 pages: adults, C$92; children three to 15, C$39 and children under three, C$24); and two recent photos*.
When using the Simplified Renewal Application Process, travellers do not have to resubmit proof of Canadian citizenship, supplementary identification or guarantor information.
To be eligible for Simplified Renewal they must:
- have been at least 16 years of age at the time they applied for their previous passport.
- be in possession of a Canadian passport that:
was issued in Canada, OR outside Canada after April 30, 2006 (as indicated under "Issuing Authority" on page 2 of the submitted passport);
was issued within the last six years;
is a regular (blue) passport, with a five-year validity period;
has not been damaged or reported lost or stolen; and
was issued in the same name as their current legal name.
With the Simplified Renewal Application Process, travellers can apply in person in Canada at any Passport Canada service location or by mail in Canada or from the United States.
The processing times are the same for all types of applications.
* The new photos do not need to be signed by anyone. However, the name and address of the photographer or studio, as well as the date the photos were taken, must be provided on the back of one photo.
Click here for more information.
New Security Measures for Canadian Air Travel
- Passengers are not permitted to transport printer toner cartridges in checked bags on any flights departing from Canadian airports if those cartridges weigh 454 grams (16 ounces) or more. These large, office-size toner cartridges are between 20 centimetres and 30 centimetres in length (eight to 12 inches respectively, or approximately the size of a loaf of bread). Smaller toner cartridges, such as those typically used in home printers, are still permitted.
- Passengers on outbound flights from Canada to the United States are not permitted to travel with cartridges in carry-on bags.
- Air carriers are not permitted to transport large printer cartridges in cargo carried on passenger flights departing from airports in Canada.
- All cargo and mail from or transiting through Yemen or Somalia are also banned from entering Canada.
Travellers are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour to authorities.
Guests Travelling To and From the U.S.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires you to provide your full name, date of birth, and gender for the purpose of watch list screening, under the authority of 49 U.S.C. section 114, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and 49 C.F.R parts 1540 and 1560. You may also provide your Redress Number, if available. Failure to provide your full name, date of birth, and gender may result in denial of transport or denial of authority to enter the boarding area. TSA may share information you provide with law enforcement or intelligence agencies or others under its published system of records notice. For more on TSA privacy policies, or to review the system of records notice and the privacy impact assessment, please see the TSA Web site at www.tsa.gov
Cuba Visitors Require Proof of Travel Medical Insurance
Passport Mandatory for Entry into Mexico
The Mexican government has announced that effective March 1, 2010, Canadian and American passengers flying into Mexico will be required to show a valid passport. This measure harmonizes Mexican border control policy with that of Canada and the U.S. under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).
Please visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade website for further information.
What Can Be Carried onto U.S.-bound Planes?
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has released a detailed list of what passengers can carry onto U.S.-bound flights.
Acceptable are “small purses or pouches” no larger than 25 cm x 30 cm x 14 cm (10” x 12” x 5 ½”). Those size dimensions apply equally to women, men and children. Bags that you cannot bring on include “large purses, attaché cases and briefcases.'
Acceptable carry-on items in various categories include:
- Printed matter (books, magazines, newspapers, documents)
- Personal electronics (laptop computers and accessories, music players, cellular phones, e-books, etc.)
- Medical and assistive devices (crutches, canes, walkers, diabetic supplies, etc.)
- Baby and nursing mothers’ needs (diaper bags, breast pumps, strollers, beverages for infants under two, etc.)
- Clothing and personal items; food and medication
- Animals (with airline approval or service animals)
- Children’s toys
- Other items, including still and video cameras, musical instruments, knitting needles with wool, religious items and more.
Click here to see the full list of CATSA-approved carry-on items.
If you are unsure whether some of these items (nail clippers, knitting needles, etc.) will pass muster with individual screeners at airports, a quick suggestion is to print out the list as a handy reference to back you up if there is a discrepancy.
Travel Industry News
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, forest fires, hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes, and drought occur and may affect safety, services, and transportation. Canadians should monitor local developments and news broadcasts carefully, follow the advice of local authorities, and know how to contact the nearest Canadian government office (i.e. embassy, high commission, or consulate) in their destination country. As well, travelers should carry details on how to contact the Department's Operations Centre, which operates 24 hours a day and accepts collect calls from Canadians overseas. Travel arrangements should be confirmed prior to departure.
Potential Health Hazards
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has implemented a new system to provide travellers with complete information regarding potential health hazards, along with advice on how travellers can protect themselves. The new system, designed to make CDC announcements more easily understood by travellers, is available at the agency's website.
This information on this website is public information and is not individualized travel advice. While we strive for accuracy, it is possible that information on this site may contain errors or omissions for which we disclaim any liability.
More Links and Documents
