If you’re planning a vacation to Canada, it’s important to be aware of the country’s travel restrictions. There are a variety of issues to keep in mind, including quarantines and vaccination requirements. There are also some unique regulations for Canadian travel. Listed below are the most common ones:
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issues travel health notices that outline the health risks for Canadians, and recommends steps to reduce those risks. The health notices remain in effect until removed from the PHAC’s website. Travel advice and advisories (TAA) pages also contain country-specific information, including entry requirements, laws, and other pertinent information. Travellers should review these pages at least twice before departure, as health conditions may change between booking and arrival.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) advises travellers to take enhanced health precautions while travelling abroad. It’s always a good idea to review Government of Canada travel advice before planning a trip to Canada. It includes vaccination requirements, testing requirements, and quarantine requirements. COVID-19 vaccination is required in December 2020. Vaccinated travellers may also need to meet COVID-19 vaccination requirements. The PHA recommends fully vaccinated travelers check their travel status before they fly, and allow for extra time at the airport.
Non-essential travelers must be fully vaccinated and undergo a thorough medical screening. The government will provide an online tool to check whether they meet the criteria for entry. Non-essential travelers can use COVID-19 for all the latest requirements. These restrictions are implemented across all borders, including the Canadian border. If you are unsure if you’re eligible, contact the Canadian Border Services Agency. These steps will ensure you don’t get caught in a situation where you cannot travel legally.
The government requires that all inbound travellers complete ArriveCAN. The app is free and accessible on mobile and desktop, and requires proof of vaccination. Passengers must complete their information within 72 hours of their land border or scheduled flight. Travellers without a smartphone can enter the information using a web browser instead. But it’s best to check before you travel whether you’re required to have any vaccinations. You’ll find more information in ArriveCAN.
Fortunately, if you’re fully vaccinated, the quarantine period is shorter. Children under five don’t have to take a coronavirus test before travelling to Canada. However, non-vaccinated foreign nationals must undergo a 14-day quarantine, unless they have another approved reason for travel. Vaccinated foreign nationals can travel to Canada without quarantine, as long as they meet all the requirements.
While Canadian travel restrictions can be onerous, they have become more lenient in recent years. For example, travellers with certain medical conditions must have proof of vaccination. They won’t be allowed entry if they’re unvaccinated, and they must also have an acceptable medical exemption. In addition, those with an MMR vaccination must have a medical certificate to prove that they have had the necessary vaccines. This is a common and often overlooked requirement that may keep travelers from experiencing a great vacation.
