Enjoy summer trips with AMA's top tips for family travel

Edmonton – While summer represents the most popular time for family travel, travel plans could be interrupted or even ruined if proper travel documents for families and children are not provided.

AMA Travel offers the following important tips when travelling abroad with children:

Passports for Children - All Canadian citizens including infants and children must have a valid passport for all international travel by air, sea or land.  Some countries require passports to be valid from three to six months after your scheduled return date.  Be sure to check the entry requirements and renew your passport prior to travel if required. 

Children traveling with one parent or other adults - When traveling as a lone adult with a minor child under age 18, you require proof of the relationship to the child and the legal right to travel in and out of the country with that child.  In the event a child is travelling without a parent, a letter of permission from the absent parent(s) is needed in addition to a child’s valid Canadian passport and entry visa as required. 

Airport Security Clearance - Be sure to check your children’s carry on for liquids, gels and other objects that don’t meet security standards. Visit Canadian Air Transport Security Authority for this and other important information.

Child Medical Care Authorization - When a child is traveling without a parent, receiving emergency medical care could be complicated or refused by the medical facility, unless the emergency is deemed life-threatening.  The adult accompanying the child should carry an original notarized letter from the non-traveling parent(s) granting permission to authorize emergency medical care for the child.  If the child remains at home while a parent travels, this important medical authorization documentation should be supplied to the child’s caregiver.

     
For more information on family travel or to talk to a travel agent at an AMA centre, visit AMATravel.ca.  

The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is the largest membership organization in Alberta, representing more than 918,000 members. As a leading advocate for traffic safety, travel and consumer protection, crime prevention, and the environment, AMA represents the interests of its members and the motoring public to industry and all levels of government. Visit ama.ab.ca to learn more about AMA's products, services and member advocacy initiatives.

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For more information, contact:
Carrie-Lynn Cota
AMA Travel
780-430-5647