Traveling to Canada during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go

by | Sep 20, 2021 | Canada

Editor’s Note — Coronavirus cases remain high across the globe. Health officials caution that travel increases your chances of getting and spreading the virus. Staying home is the best way to stem transmission. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on September 14.

(CNN) — If you’re planning to travel to Canada, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The basics

Canada‘s Covid-19 situation improved dramatically in recent months, however health officials warn that it’s entering a fourth wave as cases continue to rise in many parts of the country. Canada is currently recording an average of 4,000 cases per day.
On July 5, the Canadian government eased its mandatory two-week quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated nationals and residents arriving in the country after traveling abroad.

As of September 7, vaccinated international travelers are allowed to visit as well.

The Government of Canada has suspended flights from India until September 21, 2021.

What’s on offer

This is the ultimate destination for adventure. Whether it’s skiing and snowboarding in the Rockies or bear watching in the wilds of Ontario, Canada has everything to satisfy travelers who want to spend time in the great outdoors.

Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City are all perfect for city breaks, with first rate culture, food and entertainment on offer.

Who can go

Citizens and permanent residents are allowed to enter Canada, but if unvaccinated they must self-quarantine for 14 days.

Vaccinated international travelers are allowed to enter as of September 7. Accepted Covid-19 vaccines in Canada are: Pfizer-BioNTech; Moderna; AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD; and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson.
“Foreign nationals who are not fully vaccinated will continue to be required to meet an exemption or be traveling for a non-discretionary purpose,” says the Government of Canada website.
A few conditions still apply for all travelers. People older than five flying into Canada are required to provide written or electronic documentation showing they received a negative result from a Covid-19 PCR or RT-LAMP test conducted within 72 hours before their scheduled boarding.

As for travelers arriving by land, all visitors — with some exceptions — are also required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours of pre-arrival, or a positive test taken 14 to 90 days before arrival.

What are the restrictions?

As of August 9, international flights are permitted to land at the international airports in these Canadian cities: Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Edmonton.

All permitted arrivals must use the ArriveCAN app or website to submit travel and contact information, a 14-day quarantine plan (if unvaccinated) and a Covid-19 symptom self-assessment.

The quarantine plan must detail where you will stay, how you will get there and how you will arrange for delivery of essentials such as groceries and medicine. Failure to stick to the plan can lead to six months’ jail time and a CAD$750,000 (US$593,000) fine.

Additionally, all arrivals are given a health screening by a border officer to assess any symptoms.

What’s the Covid-19 situation?

Canada is now in the midst of a nationwide Covid-19 vaccine program as cases continue to rise.

Canada dealt with the initial wave of Covid-19 well. However, a deadly second wave in late 2020 led to new lockdowns.

Multiple provinces eased their restrictions as case numbers dropped in recent months, however officials warn the country is entering a fourth wave after a summer drop, with cases on the rise again.

What can visitors expect?

Mask mandates vary between provinces.

Provinces have been relaxing the rules on social gatherings, indoor dining and travel in recent months in response to rising vaccination rates.

Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, has adopted some of the country’s strictest Covid-19 prevention measures, with nonresidents needing to apply for a pass to visit in advance.

Most Canadian provinces continue to advise people to keep a distance of two meters (6.5 feet) to cut the spread of the virus.

Useful links

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Joe Minihane, Julia Buckley, Paula Newton and Karla Cripps contributed to this report