OTTOWA — The Canadian government announced the removal of all COVID-19 entry restrictions effective Oct. 1.
Travelers to Canada, 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, quarantine or isolate due to COVID, or report the development of symptoms upon arrival in Canada. Pre-entry testing for fully vaccinated travelers was no longer required after April 1, 2022.
“Ottawa is taking the right step by lifting its vaccine and testing requirement to enter Canada, which will give its economy a substantial boost,” U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes stated. “Washington should follow suit by immediately suspending proof of vaccination for qualified visitors from Canada and other nations, given the wide access to effective COVID boosters and therapies. Canada is the No. 1 source of international travelers to the United States, and we should take every action to accelerate recovery from this vital market.”
Within the country’s borders, restrictions are being lifted as well for domestic travelers. Wearing masks on planes and trains is no longer required by Transport Canada, nor is undergoing a health check for traveling by air or rail. Travelers are still encouraged to wear masks during their journeys, and to not travel if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for the virus.
U.S. News reported that the removal of the restrictions in Canada is the result of the country’s high vaccination rates and low number of hospitalizations and deaths due to the virus.
“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,” Canada’s Minister of Transport the Honorable Omar Alghabra stated. “Thanks to Canadians who rolled up their sleeves and got vaccinated, we are able to take this great step towards easing measure and returning to normal.”
As of Oct. 1, travelers who had entered Canada in the 14 days prior to the restrictions’ removal will not be required to complete the remainder of their quarantine or testing requirements.
Reach Tori Emerson Barnes at (202) 408-8422
