Canada is updating COVID travel rules. Here’s what’s changing
Canada is loosening COVID-19 travel restrictions beginning in April, federal officials confirm.
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra and Tourism Minister Randy Boissonnault addressed the easing of pandemic travel restrictions in a virtual press conference, Thursday.
The announcement follows warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) about the rise in sequenced cases of the BA. 2, a subvariant of the Omicron strain that is seeing cases of COVID-19 rise globally, especially in parts of Asia.
These increases are occurring despite reductions in testing in some countries, which means the cases we are seeing are just the tip of the iceberg," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Here's what's changing with Canada's pandemic travel rules:
No more COVID-19 tests for fully vaccinated travellers
Starting April 1, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to complete a pre-entry test in order to enter Canada by air, land or water.
As it stands now, all travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must show proof of a COVID-19 test when they arrive at the Canadian border. Test results can come in the form of a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, or a positive COVID-19 test result taken at least 10 days - and no more than 180 days - prior to entry.
After the changes, fully vaccinated travellers may still be selected for random testing upon entry, but no longer have to quarantine while waiting for their results.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers will continue to be tested with COVID-19 molecular (PCR) tests upon arrival and will be tested again on day eight during their 14-day quarantine.
These changes take effect at all land borders and marine ports of entry.
Today's announcement is encouraging, but let us remember that all measures are subject to review," said federal health minister Jean-Yves Duclos.
We will continue to adjust them as the epidemiological situation here in Canada and abroad evolves."
Foreign nationals still need to be fully vaccinated in order to enter Canada
Unvaccinated travellers who are foreign nationals looking to gain entry into Canada for tourism, personal travel or even to attend school as an adult, are still not permitted entry, according to a test available on the government's travel website. That includes U.S. citizens.
Unvaccinated travellers transiting through Canada on connection to another country may be granted entry depending on the requirements that apply for their specific situation.
ArriveCan app
Travellers must continue providing required information on the ArriveCan website or app prior to entry, regardless of their vaccination status.
Cruise ships
Canadians, including crew and passengers, must still be fully vaccinated in order to board a cruise ship. Last week, federal officials the announced the restarting of cruise ship activity in Canada starting in April.
The chance of being infected with COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high, even if you're fully vaccinated, reads the federal website on cruise ship travel.
Lifting the pre-entry testing requirements for travellers to Canada will make it easier for Canadians to safely take advantage of emerging opportunities for personal and business travel, as Canada's transportation system recovers from the pandemic," said minister of transportation Omar Alghabra on Thursday.
Ivy Mak is a team editor on the Star's breaking news desk, based in Toronto. Reach her via email: ivymak@thestar.ca