Travel news, warnings & information
AMA Travel strives to provide travellers with up to date information on travel related events as they occur. For more information, please contact us directly by visiting us in-store at one of our AMA Centres, by phone at 1-800-222-6400, or online.
AMA Travel in the news | General travel news
General travel news
Air Canada Modifies Check-in Deadline on Flights within Canada to Minimum 45 Minutes Prior to Departure
Effective April 10, 2013, Air Canada changed the domestic cut off check-in and baggage drop off deadline (latest time after which customers can no longer check in or drop off their baggage) from 30 minutes to 45 minutes before flight departure. The revised minimum domestic cut-off deadline applies to all Air Canada and Air Canada Express flights within Canada, with the exception of flights leaving Toronto Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) which remains at 20 minutes. With these changes, minimum domestic check-in and baggage drop off deadlines will now be more closely aligned with those of other airlines in Canada. Air Canada continues to recommend that customers arrive at the airport 90 minutes prior to departure of domestic Canada flights in order to ensure plenty of time to check in (if not already done online or on a mobile device), drop off baggage and pass through security.
Customers checking-in online will need to drop off their bags at least 45 minutes before departure time. If travelling with carry-on only, customers may proceed directly to security and their gate when arriving at the airport. See check-in and boarding gate deadlines for details. Please contact your AMA travel counsellor for further information regarding your travel plans.
Florida International Driving Permit Requirement
Effective April 2, 2013, Canadians are no longer required to hold an IDP for driving in Florida. They can now go back to doing what they have always been able to do – drive with peace of mind in the Sunshine State using their provincial driver’s license. The repeal comes after interventions from CAA, other stakeholders and thousands of Canadian drivers caught unaware by the IDP law, which came into effect with no notice. CAA applauds the government of Florida for repealing the law, a process that ended today when Gov. Rick Scott signed the repeal bill.
February 15, 2013 - The Government of Canada issued an update on Feb. 14, 2013 at 20:46 ET that states Canadians do not require an International Driving Permit to drive in the United States. For more information see: http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/driving-florida. Although the Government of Canada has issued the above update, we are basing our advice on the law. Until the law changes, AMA’s advice remains the same for Canadians travelling to Florida with the intension of driving – it is better to be safe and travel with an IDP.
Effective January 1, 2013, travellers that wish to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver license will be required to have an International Driving Permit to accompany their out of country license. This applies to any vehicle, including rental vehicles. The International Driving Permit must be in the customer’s name and from their country of residence.
Why did the law change?
The purpose of the permit is for the English translation. Obviously, a license issued in Canada and other English speaking countries is already written in English so the permit is admittedly a little redundant but that is technically the law at this point.
What will happen to a driver who drives without an IDP?
Without an IDP, a driver is therefore driving without a valid license and if stopped, law enforcement has the option of 1/ arresting the driver and taking him/her to jail 2/ giving the driver a citation with a mandatory court appearance. Learn more about IDPs here.
Travel of Children/Minors to Mexico - Documentation Change
December 28, 2012 - As of February 15, 2013, foreign minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or accompanied by a third party of legal age (grandparent, aunt/uncle, other) must present, in addition to a valid passport, a document showing the consent of both parents or those with parental authority or guardianship over the minor. If the document is issued in Canada it must be notarized, legalized by the Mexican Consulate or Embassy, and translated into Spanish.
The text of this document must contain the parents’ express authorization for the minor to travel alone or, if applicable, information on the adult who is authorized to be responsible for the minor during the trip. The document must state the purpose and length of the trip, and specify the dates of entry and departure, as this will be a requirement for allowing the minor to leave Mexican territory.
Minors travelling with at least one of their parents do not require any authorization at all.
Canada imposes visas on St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Namibia, Botswana and Swaziland
September 18, 2012 - Effective September 11, 2012, citizens of St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (St. Vincent), Namibia, Botswana and Swaziland now require a visa to travel to Canada. See Citizenship and Immigration Canada for more details.
Air Canada checked baggage policy changes
June 15, 2012 - Air Canada revised its checked baggage policy for customers with an Economy Class ticket issued on or after June 15, 2012, as follows: Check one free bag and a 2nd bag for $100 CAD/USD (per direction) when you travel between the United States and the United Kingdom.
On June 1, 2012, Air Canada revised its checked baggage policy for customers with an Economy Class ticket issued on or after June 1, 2012. The checked baggage policy for customers with an Economy Class ticket issued on/after May 18, 2012 was also revised.
For further information about your travel arrangements booked with AMA Travel, please contact your Travel Counsellor or check Air Canada’s complete checked baggage policy.
Cruise industry announces new safety policies
May 3, 2012 - Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the European Cruise Council have announced that the cruise industry has adopted three new safety policies to be implemented immediately. The three policies will be reported to the United Nations International Maritime Organization for consideration at their next session in May.
The three policies govern:
1) Passage Planning – It will now be a mandatory minimum requirement and enhanced by endorsement of the best practices contained in the International Chamber of Shipping’s Bridge Procedures Guide. Furthermore, under this policy each passage plan is to be thoroughly briefed to all bridge team members well in advance of its implementation and it is to be drafted by a designated officer and approved by the master.
2) Personnel Access To the Bridge - To minimize unnecessary disruptions and distractions on the bridge, there will be a policy that bridge access is to be limited to those with operational functions during any period of restricted maneuvering or when increased vigilance is required.
3) Lifejackets – In addition to the statutory requirement of carriage of lifejackets for each person on board, a policy of carrying additional adult lifejackets onboard each cruise ship in excess of these legal requirements so that the number of additional adult lifejackets to be provided must not be less than the total number of persons berthed within the ship’s most populated main vertical fire zone. This ensures that the number of lifejackets carried is far in excess of the number of persons actually on board the ship.
CLIA is working to review and improve safety measures along with a team of maritime and safety experts. They plan to develop best practices for industry-wide implementation and provide formal submission to the International Maritime Organization.
Federal Budget changes tax-exemptions for U.S. travel
March 30, 2012 - If the Federal Budget passes, the following changes will come in effect June 1, 2012:
- People who travel outside of Canada for 24-48 hours will be able to return with $200 of tax-exempt goods. The previous limit was $50.
- Those who stay in the U.S. longer than 48 hours can bring back $800, up from $400.
- The rules for same-day trips of less than 24 hours have not changed - travellers cannot bring back anything duty-free. The same rules apply for Canadians who travel abroad.
Read more on the proposed 2012 federal budget.
New Tax Included Pricing for Advertised Airfares
January 24, 2012 - Prices for airfare will appear differently on AMATravel.ca and on other websites. At first glance, fares may appear to increase in price substantially, but in reality, the only aspect that has changed is how the fares are displayed.
The change, which takes effect Jan. 26, is part of a Department of Transportation (DOT) effort to provide more transparency for the consumer on travel costs. Keep reading more about this change.
For further information about your travel arrangements booked with AMA Travel, please contact your Travel Counsellor.
Important information for clients travelling to Costa Rica
January 18, 2012 - Canadians intending to visit Costa Rica require a valid Canadian passport and the passport must be valid for at least 90 days from the date of arrival in Costa Rica.
Passengers are responsible to pay a local departure tax of $28.00 USD per person upon leaving Costa Rica. Please note this amount can change without notice.
For further information about your travel arrangements booked with AMA Travel, please contact your Travel Counsellor.
AMA Travel in the news
CAA experts offer tips for traveling with children in tow and solo kid travel
May 25, 2012 - OTTAWA – Summer remains the most popular and eagerly anticipated season for family travel, according to CAA Travel experts. Options for family travel are varied and may include children traveling alone to visit geographically separated family members, travel with a solo parent, or kids leaving parents behind to cruise the world with grandparents. Read all CAA Travel expert tips for travelling with children or children travelling solo.
AMA Travel Manager quoted in Edmonton Journal Air Canada strike article
March 9, 2012 - AMA Travel Manager Roland VanMeurs, aka the "Travel Guy", discusses the impact of the strike and the averted flight crisis in the Edmonton Journal article, "Travellers and agents relieved Air Canada strike averted".
New tax-included pricing for advertised airfares
January 24, 2012 - Prices for airfare will appear differently on AMATravel.ca and on other websites. At first glance, fares may appear to increase in price substantially, but in reality, the only aspect that has changed is how the fares are displayed.
The change, which takes effect Jan. 26, is part of a Department of Transportation (DOT) effort to provide more transparency for the consumer on travel costs. Keep reading more about this change.
For further information about your travel arrangements booked with AMA Travel, please contact your Travel Counsellor.
AMA Travel Sales Director quoted in Calgary Herald
January 21, 2012 - AMA Travel Director of Sales Nikola Berube was interviewed on the impact of Lufthansa's exit out of the Calgary (YYC) airport. It's last flight will be on February 4. Berube stated there might be "a level of disappointment" for consumers looking to book with Lufthansa, but that there are many other airlines and attractive pricing that will accommodate Albertan travellers. You can find the full story at the Calgary Herald's article, "Lufthansa withdrawing from Calgary market".
Canada - AMA Travel Specialist quoted in Globe & Mail article
January 13, 2012 - AMA Travel Specialist Evelyne Drouin (specializing in Spanish destinations) was quoted in the Globe and Mail Saturday piece, "What's a great home base to explore Spain from?"
Alberta - CAA Disney Club of the Year award
At the recent CAA Vision Travel Conference, AMA Travel was presented with the 2011 CAA Disney Club of the Year Award. This award recognizes the Canadian club that experienced the largest increase in sales in Disney products. A big way-to-go and thank you for your contributions to our successful ongoing partnership with Disney Parks and Resorts! This award is a result of the hard work of our travel specialists, and the confidence that our customers show in our services.
Canada - CAA launches comprehensive smartphone app
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), parent company for AMA, has launched a brand new smartphone app. Canadians will be able to request roadside assistance, search for exclusive Member savings, plan a trip with TripTik®, and more. Download this app for free for Blackberry, iPhone or Android smartphones.
Sherwood Park - AMA opens new centre
On October 31, the much anticipated new AMA Sherwood Park Centre opened its doors to the Sherwood Park community. Members and staff were excited about the move from the original 2,100 square foot location to a beautiful, spacious 7,500 square foot building right on Baseline Road (official address: #19, 101 Bremner Drive).
The new Sherwood Park Centre now offers travel services including passport photos, park passes, ski tickets and all other North American and International services. In addition, a new ATM is available that offers self-serve foreign currency. Travel accessories and luggage are also available.
Get the new Sherwood Park centre's contact information, hours of operation and maps to the location.
Fort McMurray - Virtually Together with our AMA Travel experts
AMA has launched a new service called, "Virtually Together", within our Fort McMurray centres.
Virtually Together is an interactive technology-based service that allows you to connect directly to an AMA Travel Specialist via two-way video conferencing. Sit back and relax in one of our specially designed client rooms at the Fort McMurray Centre and discuss your travel needs with one of our travel experts. They’ll provide you with the advice, options and recommendations you’ve come to expect when planning your vacation experience.
Get Virtually Together with AMA Travel today. Call (780) 743-2442 or visit us at 4 Hospital Street to make an appointment.
To check up on your destination, read Foreign Affairs Canada's Travel Reports and Warnings for more information.
Air travel security - advice for all travellers
Before leaving home, we recommend that you check the status of your flight directly with your airline and also confirm any changes related to the following topics as they may vary by airport and airline.
- Recommended check-in times may increase, so arrive early to avoid delays at security.
- Carry on and checked baggage policies may change and may limit the amount of carry on you are permitted to take.
- Verify your flight status directly with the airline.
- Check the airport website for updates on security and other policies
Note that some airlines may have limited in-flight services due to security changes .
For current Alberta traveller information, see:
The links below will direct you to AMA information, government agencies and/or news sources that provide information related to border crossings, security measures, required travel documents, and travel warnings and alerts.
Travel insurance | Checked bag policies | Passport requirements
Destination details | Related links
Travel insurance
Destination details | Related links
Cuba - Anyone entering Cuba is required to disclose that they have health insurance at immigration when entering the country. If you do not have coverage, you will be required to purchase their government product at the time of your arrival. Prior to departure, please double-check your policy to ensure it does not exclude Cuba.
Europe - Canadians travelling to Europe are urged to carry proof of supplemental health insurance. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine specifically request Canadian citizens be prepared to - in some cases required to - show proof of medical coverage while visiting.
Checked bag policies
It’s becoming more common for airlines to charge travellers a fee for checking luggage. Before you pack and leave on your flight, check with your Travel Counsellor or the airline for details.
Passport requirements
NEW! Canada to Dominican Republic:
As of April 30, 2012, Canadians travelling to the Dominican Republic will require Canadian passports to enter the country.
Canada to United States - travelling by air only:
New Identity Screening Regulations are required for all passengers planning to travel on Canadian domestic flights, who appear to be 12 years of age or older, to present the following ID before boarding:
- ONE piece of valid government-issued PHOTO ID that shows name, date of birth, and gender (Example: Passport or Drivers License)
OR
- TWO pieces of valid government-issued ID (without a photo), one of which shows name, date of birth, and gender (Example: Birth Certificate along with Government Health Card)
AND
- The name on the identification must match the name on the boarding pass. These rules are part of the Government of Canada’s new Identity Screening Regulations for air travel. All rules for flights to the United States and other international travel continue to apply.
AMA Travel strongly recommends that Canadian Citizens planning to travel obtain a Canadian Passport, well in advance of your travel date, as this is the most widely accepted form of ID when travelling.
Canadian and American passengers flying into Mexico are required to show a valid passport. Please visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Website for further information.
Read the full listing of passport requirements and fees.
Destination details
AMA strives to offer the best and most current destination information its members. There are three options available to all users of AMA Travel services.
- Research our travel destination information and online maps.
- Order your FREE destination tourbooks, maps, guides and campbooks (free offer valid for members-only).
- Come into the AMA centre to you, and talk to one of our expert travel counsellors (and pick up our free destination brochures).
Related links
- Travel Warnings (Government of Alberta Foreign Affairs)
If the country you intend to visit has a Travel Warning, you may wish to reconsider your travel plans. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel counsellor travel insurer or airline, as it could cost you money. - News & media sources for informed travellers
Daily updated service with news and media information on events affecting travel itineraries and traveller safety. - Passport and Travel Documentation (Government of Canada Passport Department)
Information on passports and travel information. You may also apply for your passport online. - Border Crossing Information (Canada Border Services Agency)
Find out how long you may have to wait to cross the border. - Health Advisories for Travellers (Public Health Agency of Canada)
General information and recommendations on travel health topics. - Road Reports (AMA Road Reports® )
AMA provides current reports on road conditions throughout Alberta based on information received from highway maintenance contractors, the RCMP, and Parks Canada. The AMA Road Report page also provides links to road conditions sites outside of Alberta (e.g B.C.). - Weather Conditions (Canada, USA and International)
