It’s going to get a whole lot easier to travel to Canada very soon: vaccination and masking requirements are going away this Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022.
According to a recent news release from the Public Health Agency of Canada, travelers will no longer have to show proof of vaccination, take a test before or on arrival or follow quarantine rules.
“Canada’s travel measures successfully mitigated the full impact of COVID-19 for travelers and workers in the transportation sector, and helped keep communities safe. Thanks to Canadians who rolled up their sleeves and got vaccinated, we are able to take this great step towards easing measures and returning to normal,” said Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, in a press statement.
Effective Oct. 1, 2022, all travelers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:
- submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
- provide proof of vaccination;
- undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
- carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
- monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving in Canada.
Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements. As of Oct. 1, 2022, travelers will no longer be required to:
- undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or
- wear masks on planes and trains.
However, although the masking requirement is being lifted, all travelers are strongly recommended to wear high-quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.
The good news extends to cruise passengers, as well. Cruise measures are also being lifted, and travelers will no longer be required to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated or use ArriveCAN. The agency added that set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.
Of note:
- Visitors must follow any provincial or territorial COVID-19 requirements as applicable. Foreign nationals must still meet the entry requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and provide appropriate travel and immigration documentation as necessary.
- While travelers will no longer have to submit their quarantine and vaccination information through ArriveCAN, they can continue to use the optional Advance Declaration feature in ArriveCAN (free as a mobile app or on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website) to save time at the airport by submitting their customs and immigration declaration in advance of arrival.
For more information, visit travel.gc.ca.
This article previously ran in our sister publication, Recommend.
