OTTAWA, Nov. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of
Natural Resources, was in Montreal today on behalf of the Honourable
Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and
Consular Affairs), to unveil the newly revamped Travel.gc.ca, Canada's
official "one-stop shop" for international travel information.
"Our government is pleased to announce Travel.gc.ca, a newly revamped
tool to help Canadians travel smarter and safer," said Minister
Ablonczy. "For the first time ever, we have brought together in one
place information from all government departments to help Canadians be
informed before, during and after their travels."
"Travel.gc.ca will help Canadians save time as they make their way
through the airport security screening process on the way to the
departure gate," said Minister Oliver. "The new website offers key
information, like what Canadians traveling abroad can pack in their
carry-on and checked baggage. The improved accessibility of this
information will help make security screening faster and easier, and
allow Canadians to focus on the road ahead."
Travel.gc.ca is a single website where Canadians will find, easily and
efficiently, the information they need to travel or live abroad safely
and to make informed decisions. In addition to the website, a new
mobile application, Travel Smart, is now available; it allows Canadians
anywhere in the world to access Government of Canada information and
services on international travel.
Canadians will also be able to access key travel information from
anywhere in the world through Twitter, Facebook, RSS feeds and email
updates. Travel.gc.ca is supported by a social media presence
distributing the latest travel advice, crisis updates and emergency
contact information.
Going through airport security can be faster and easier with some
preparation. Before flying, travellers should know the rules about
airport security and check security-screening wait times by consulting
travel.gc.ca.
Travel.gc.ca is managed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in collaboration with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Canada Revenue Agency, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Environment Canada, Health Canada, Passport Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Safety Canada and Transport Canada.
For more information, please visit Travel.gc.ca.
To download the Travel Smart mobile application, please visit Travel.gc.ca/mobile.
A backgrounder follows.
Backgrounder - Travel.gc.ca
As part of the Government of Canada's new approach to online services
and accessibility, all federal government international travel content
and services have been merged into Travel.gc.ca. This single thematic
website is an authoritative and comprehensive source of information for
Canadians travelling or living abroad, and includes an interactive map
of the exact location of Canadian government offices abroad with
complete contact information.
Travel.gc.ca integrates regularly updated content and resources from 11
government partners to help Canadians easily and efficiently find the
information they need to make informed decisions about international
travel.
The following are some of the many topics covered in Travel.gc.ca.
Mobile application, Twitter and Facebook
Canadians can stay connected to Canada and access the most up-to-date
travel-related information wherever they may be through the Travel
Smart mobile web application, and the Travel.gc.ca Twitter and Facebook
channels, RSS feeds and email updates.
Travel documents, passports, consent letters
The site provides continually updated information on a range of travel
documents, such as passports, visas, certificates of Canadian
citizenship, international driving permits, consent letters for
children travelling alone, the Canadian International Health
Certificate for Travelling Pets, as well as pre-boarding identification
requirements.
Country advice and advisories
Through Travel.gc.ca and the Travel Smart mobile application, Canadians
at home and abroad can access travel advice and advisories on safety
and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, health
conditions and other important travel issues in destinations around the
world. Subscribers to the Travel.gc.ca Twitter and Facebook channels
receive the latest travel advice updates, emergency contacts and crisis
information, as well as other information Canadians need to travel
safely.
Returning to Canada
Travel.gc.ca offers information on what is required when returning to
Canada from abroad, which items and products can and cannot be brought
into Canada, and duty and taxes.
Registration of Canadians Abroad
By visiting Travel.gc.ca, Canadians can access Registration of Canadians
Abroad, a free, confidential service that keeps Canadians connected to
Canada in case of an emergency abroad, such as an earthquake or civil
unrest, or informed about an emergency at home.
What to pack
Preparation is the key to successful travel, and Travel.gc.ca features
information and services that will save travellers time and energy.
Before starting to pack for a trip abroad, Canadians should visit the
"What to Pack" page, which lists what can and cannot be packed in
carry-on and checked baggage. They will save time and ensure a smooth
airport security screening process by "packing smart."
Border wait times
Canadians who drive home from the United States should visit
Travel.gc.ca to save time by checking the list of wait times at
Canada-U.S. border stations from coast to coast. They can also do so
before leaving on a trip to the United States.
Travel health
Preparation is the key to healthy travel. Travel.gc.ca offers
information to Canadians on how to stay healthy as they travel anywhere
in the world. The website offers the latest travel health updates and
disease fact sheets, as well as information on vaccinations, travelling
with prescription medications, coping with a medical emergency abroad
and getting help from Canadian offices abroad.
Airport security screening and wait times
By visiting Travel.gc.ca, Canadians can also check the list of airport
security screening wait times before leaving for the airport to make
sure they have enough time for the screening process.
SOURCE: Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)