Canada has removed its COVID-19 border and travel measures

If you’re heading to Canada, you’ll be pleased to hear that the country has lowered its COVID border restrictions, including vaccine requirements for international travelers, effective from October 1, 2022.

The Canadian government announced earlier this year that Canada had eased its entry requirements so fully vaccinated travelers do not need to show a negative COVID test before departure but still must use ArriveCAN or pay a $5000 fine. The previous rule also required a negative test before and after arrival for travelers who did not have complete vaccine uptake and needed to quarantine themselves for 14 days after arrival in Canada. 

Related: Canada Will Resume COVID-19 Testing At Airports Next Week

The country has adopted a layered approach to border management since the outbreak to protect its citizens. Since the pandemic began, it has been necessary to change several border measures to keep up with the epidemiological situation as the pandemic situation evolved. 

They have attributed the removal of border measures to several factors, including:

• Modeling shows Canada has reached the peak of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 waves.
• A high vaccination rate uptake in Canada, with about 82% of the population getting two doses.
• The lower hospitalization rate, the falling death rate.
• The availability of booster vaccines, rapid tests, and treatment options.

Canada’s new entry rules: what are they?

The following will no longer apply to international travelers as of October 1, 2022:

• Travelers are not required 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, and monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.
• Pre-embarkation testing, vaccine, and ArriveCAN requirements for cruise passengers have also changed, though some guidelines will remain.
• Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements like undergoing health checks for travel on air and rail or wearing masks on planes and trains.

Related: Canada Has Enacted New Travel Border Measures And Other Stories From Around The World

Although the masking requirement has ended, the government strongly recommends all travelers wear high-quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys. In early September, the World Health Organisation reported that Covid-19 deaths had reached their lowest point since the outbreak. Experts still warn of the virus’ continuing threat, especially if new variants emerge.

To ensure your health and safety, all travelers should make informed decisions when considering travel within and outside Canada by staying up-to-date with travel information.

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