Please take note that check-in and baggage acceptance for flights within Canada now close 45 minutes prior to departure – with the exception of flights leaving from Toronto’s city airport (YTZ), where check-in and bag drop-off remain available until 20 minutes before departure.

It has been confirmed by the National Migration Office of Argentina, that as from the 1st March 2013, passengers with nationalities of the following countries: U.S.A, Canada and Australia who enter Argentina and do not submit proof of payment of the 'reciprocity fee for Admission into the Country' will be sent back to their point of origin, as the airports no longer have the facilities for obtaining this admission upon entry.
Please note that nationals of these countries must make the payment of this fee by Internet pre-arrival into Argentina, they can do this by entering one of the following websites: www.migraciones.gov.ar  or www.provinciapagos.gov.ar .
On entering the websites each passenger will be required to complete their personal details and credit card information and make their online payment through Banco Provincia. Then the application will generate a payment voucher which will be mandatory to enter the country and must be presented at the time of immigration control.

WestJet is introducing fare bundles set to enhance the current fare system that now gives guests the choice between three fares; Econo, Flex, and Plus. Each fare will offer a different level of value to the guests.

The Econo package will include one complimentary checked bag; advanced seat selection $5 to $17.25; $75-$86.25 itinerary change fee (plus applicable fare difference); $75-$86.25 name change fee; and $75-$86.25 cancellation fee.

The Flex package will include one complimentary checked bag; advanced seat selection – $5 to $34.50 with access to emergency exit row which includes advanced boarding; $50-$57.50 itinerary change (plus applicable fare difference); $50-$57.50 name change fee; and $50-$57.50 cancellation fee.

And the Plus plan will include two complimentary checked bags; advanced complimentary seat selection, with access to first three rows/emergency exit row which includes advanced boarding; complimentary itinerary change fee (plus fare applicable fare difference); complimentary name change; $50-$57.50 cancellation fee with balance refunded to original form of payment; complimentary day-of-flight itinerary changes at the airport; and priority security screening (at available airports).

WestJet is updating the number of carry-on pieces guests are permitted to bring on board to one from two, plus one personal item, effective April 4, 2013. The carry-on item (e.g. a suitcase, backpack or bag) must be no larger than 21 inches by 9 inches by 15 inches and it must fit in the WestJet sizing devices located in airports across the network. If it does not fit, it must be checked at the boarding gate and picked up upon arrival at the baggage carousel. Personal items include small purses, laptop bags or mobility or child restraint devices. For parents travelling with infants, a diaper bag is permitted over and above the carry-on allowance.

There have been recent media reports about non-residents, including Canadians, driving in Florida requiring an international driving permit (IDP).
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said in a press release that changes to the law may violate the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (1949) and as such, the law is now under review. The Florida Highway Patrol will defer enforcement of this requirement [the International Driving Permit] until a final determination of its validity is made.
We understand that non-resident visitors only need their valid Canadian (provincial) driver’s license to drive lawfully in the state, for now, but they will want to check for any further developments before they travel to Florida.

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.

• 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.

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

Prior to departure, please double-check your policy to ensure it does not exclude Cuba. If you have any questions regarding your RBC Insurance issued by Calgary Co-op Travel, please contact your travel consultant or contact your insurance provider.

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.

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.

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.

Secure Flight Program

Check the travel restrictions at Heathrow Airport

Latest news from Consular Affairs

Air Canada baggage allowance limit

Air Canada - Customs and Immigration information