TORONTO — An informed traveller is a happy traveller – and the same could be said for travel advisors.
With that in mind, the Canadian government is reminding the travel industry about its indispensable Travel Advice and Advisories.
Global Affairs Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories (TAAs) are official Government of Canada information and advice on safety and security conditions abroad to help travellers make informed and responsible decisions about their travel.
As Global Affairs Canada notes, “TAAs give travellers accurate and up-to-date information on situations that may affect their safety and well-being when they are travelling or living outside of Canada. This information may relate to health, safety or security considerations, local laws and culture, exit and entry requirements or climate and natural disasters.”
The federal government closely monitors safety and security conditions in foreign countries, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Based on reliable information, the TAAs are updated to respond to events that may affect the personal safety and security of Canadians abroad.
Travel professionals are well acquainted with the four TAA risk levels, but just in case anyone needs a refresher course, they are …
- Green: Exercise normal security precautions as in Canada
- Yellow: Exercise a high degree of caution. There are reasons to be more careful in this area
- Orange: Avoid non-essential travel. Travellers should think seriously about whether they need to travel there
- Red: Avoid all travel. High-risk area and the federal government recommends not at all
When new information on a destination becomes available, the risk level is reassessed to determine if a travel advisory should be issued, upgraded, downgraded or removed. Global Affairs Canada makes the decision to update TAAs in consultation with the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for the foreign destination.
Clients should also know that if a Travel Advisory is issued for their destination, it may affect their travel insurance, and they should carefully read the terms and conditions of their insurance policy.
As one of the government’s consular officers explains, “Before going abroad, there are a few key things that Canadians should do to avoid difficult situations. Canadians should have a good travel insurance policy, a financial situation that guarantees they have enough money to pay for a flight back home or to retain the services of a lawyer, as well as a good understanding of the laws that could impact them, including dual citizenship and import and export laws.”
Global Affairs Canada has also provided a list of links for anyone looking for additional information …
Canadian Consular Services Charter
Registration of Canadians Abroad
Embassies and consulates by destination
Check out Travelweek Daily for regular updates from Global Affairs Canada on topics of interest to Canadian travellers – and the travel industry
