Passports required for Canadian travelers to Mexico

Effective March 1, 2010, Canadian citizens, including those with dual nationality, traveling to Mexico will be required to travel with a passport.

While passports are not currently required for Canadians traveling to Mexico, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has recommended that, in order to avoid delays and misunderstandings, Canadians travel with a passport valid for at least six months after their arrival date. Currently, Canadians traveling to Mexico via the United States are also required to comply with U.S. entry requirements as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Passport Canada advises that current processing times for new passports are:

• Two weeks for applications submitted in person
• Four weeks for applications submitted by mail
• Four weeks for applications submitted through a receiving agent (Service Canada or
Canada Post)
Note: Processing times do not include delivery time. Full details of the passport application and renewal process, as well as options for expedited services can be found at the Passport Canada website.

Additional information regarding travel to Mexico is available at the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website:
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=184000

Travelers can also find additional information at the website for the Embassy of Mexico in Canada: http://www.sre.gob.mx/canadaingles/

Transport Canada announces increased security restrictions

In response to the attempted attack on Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Detroit, Michigan December 25, additional security measures have been put in place at Canadian airports for flights to the United States.

On December 28, Transport Canada introduced new restrictions related to carry-on baggage.

Effective immediately, passengers traveling to the United States are not allowed to bring carry-on bags into the cabin of the aircraft.

Some exceptions to this rule apply, and passengers are allowed to carry on the following items:
• medication or medical devices
• small purses
• cameras
• coats
• items for care of infants
• laptop computers
• crutches
• canes
• walkers
• containers carrying life sustaining items
• special needs items
• musical instruments
• diplomatic or consular bags
Additionally, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has been authorized to use the assistance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and local police officers with some of the screening procedures.

Passengers are advised to be prepared for additional searches and increased security. Travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport three hours in advance of their scheduled flight to allow enough time for the additional security procedures.

Additional information from Transport Canada can be found at:
http://www.tc.gc.ca//eng/mediaroom/backgrounders-menu-5781.htm

Additional information regarding travel within the United States can be found on the TSA website: http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/dec25_guidance.shtm

2010 Business Travel Forecast

2010 Business Travel Forecast

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