• Since 2007, U.S. citizens  are required to use a passport when traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. (Note: If you frequently travel to the following countries and your passport was issued in 2007, it's recommend to renew soon)
• Many European countries won't accept passports within six months of the expiration date.

• The fastest renewal times occur between September and December.
• Travelers should sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so the U.S. can notify them of emergencies while they're abroad.
• For travelers who do not travel beyond Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda, apply for the cheaper passport card. 

Canada's Entry Requirements to Change Effective March 15, 2016
On March 15, 2016, Canada is introducing a new entry requirement, known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) , for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to or through Canada by air. This new requirement will become mandatory on March 15, 2016 and travelers will need an eTA before they can board their flight to Canada. U.S. citizens with a passport are exempted, as are travelers with a valid visa.

Visit the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration website to determine if an eTA is needed and apply for your eTA online. A passport, a credit card, and email address are necessary to apply.

Note: For travel before March 15, 2016, an eTA is not required, but may be obtained.
For more information please visit: Electronic Travel Authorization - eTA

Sources: Government of Canada and Industry Internal Communications 

Sources: CNN, Industry Internal Communication 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Zika virus an international public health emergency. 

Some of the major carriers, including American, Delta and United, are allowing certain travelers to change or cancel flights to areas where the Zika virus is prevalent.

For additional information about Zika, including travel advisories, visit the CDC or WHO website or read Travel Incorporated's recent  Zika Travel Advisory. 

REAL ID Act Update: Passengers Have Two-Year Grace Period to get New IDs. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has delayed the requirement for U.S. flight passengers to have state-issued identification that complies with the REAL ID Act in order to clear security by two years. The law was supposed to start this year, but the DHS announced that passengers can use their existing driver's licenses, whether the issuing state's licenses are compliant with the REAL ID Act or not, until January 22, 2018. Currently, the DHS lists 6 non-compliant ID issuers and 23 compliant states and territories. The rest have been working under extensions to comply.

United has launched a new product - United Signature Service - a meet and assist service providing customers a concierge level experience throughout their airport journey. Dedicated concierges coordinate the entire airport experience and provide a seamless level of service, tailored to what an individual customer may want or need. Chicago (ORD) and New York/Newark (EWR) are the first airports to offer the new service, with rapid airport expansion planned in 2016 and beyond. 

International Updates for Enterprise. The National Car Rental App is available in more than 52 countries and supports eight languages: English, UK English, Spanish, Canadian-French, French, Italian, German and Brazilian-Portuguese. In addition to the 20 locations throughout Europe already offering Priority Service, Emerald Club members renting with National can now experience Priority Service at five additional airport locations in Spain: Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, Mallorca Palma and Valencia. Priority Service allows travelers to bypass the counter and go directly to the car park, show their driver's license, sign the contract and go. Members renting in Europe will continue to earn credits and tier status on their rentals.