February 2016
Join Us at Concur Fusion 2016fusion

March 8 - 11 | Venetian Hotel | Las Vegas
What is Concur Fusion? 
Fusion is Concur's annual user conference, where Concur Executives & Staff, Concur Clients, and other industry partners, come together to collaborate on the future of the industry. Although Travel Incorporated always has a direct line to Concur, we enjoy this opportunity to connect with them and our clients, outside of our day to day routines. Learn more about Concur Fusion 2016. 
Can't attend Fusion? 
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Tell us if you have any comments or questions we can present at Fusion on your behalf.  After the conference, we will share the highlights with you.
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Stay Connected with us through Social Media!  Use the hashtag  #ConcurFusion . Check back on our  Facebook  or  LinkedIn  page for the latest news, pictures and updates from Las Vegas!
Passport & Visa Updatespassport 
U.S. Citizens are Encouraged to Renew their Passports Sooner than Later
Government officials are urging U.S. citizens to renew their passports earlier. Why? Nearly 49 million passports are set to expire within the next three years. This influx could cause processing time to increase to six weeks or longer.

Passport laws to be aware of: 
  • 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.
Tips for Passport Renewals: 
  • 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
TI Tip: Add your passport information into your travel profile. Travel Incorporated will notify the traveler if their passport will expire. 
Sources: CNN and The State Department
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 
U.S. Visa Waivers are Ending for Some European and Asian Travelers
Visa waivers are no longer available to certain European and Asian travelers.  Formerly, these travelers could visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. The restrictions apply to travelers from 38 countries who have Visa Waiver Program agreements with the United States, and if the travelers are:
  • Nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who have traveled to or have been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
  • Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria.
The U.S. State Department has posted detailed information about the restrictions on its website. U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends travelers check their visa status before traveling to the United States.
Sources: CNN, Industry Internal Communication 
Zika Virus Travel Advisory zika
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Zika virus an international public health emergency. 

What is Zika Virus?
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease closely related to dengue fever, chikungunya, and West Nile virus. The virus can be spread from mosquito to human. Recent studies have shown that pregnant women who are infected can pass the virus to their unborn child. Cases of poor pregnancy outcomes and serious birth defects such as microcephaly have been reported.

WHO's statement regarding travel:
  • There should be no restrictions on travel or trade with countries, areas and/or territories with Zika virus transmission.
  • Travelers to areas with Zika virus transmission should be provided with up-to-date advice on potential risks and appropriate measures to reduce the possibility of exposure to mosquito bites.
  • Standard WHO recommendations regarding insect removal in aircraft and airports should be implemented.
  • Since mid-January, officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have urged pregnant women not to travel to the following Zika infected countries, mostly in the Caribbean and Latin America. The CDC has created an expansive online resource about the virus and who's at risk. 
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
Industry Snippets Snippets
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.