Travel Updates

This page provides a running list of updates to travel information and restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The topmost information is most recent, with subsequent information moving backward in chronological order.

October 1, 2022: Practice enhanced health precautions

The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising travellers to practise enhanced health precautions when travelling internationally. COVID-19 continues to circulate in Canada and internationally. The COVID-19 situation at your destination can change rapidly and can vary considerably from one destination to another, and even between regions within a country.

For all travellers entering Canada by air, land or marine mode:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
• COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required
• Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required
• Using ArriveCAN is not required
  • if you’re flying into Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Halifax or Montréal-Trudeau international airports, you can still use ArriveCAN to complete your Advance CBSA Declaration to save time upon arrival
• Pre-boarding tests for cruise passengers are not required
• As always, travel documents are required
• Health checks to board planes and trains are not required
• Wearing masks on planes and trains is not required
  • It's still strongly recommended that you wear a high quality and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

January 22, 2022 - All Canadians Must be Fully Vaccinated to Enter the US

As of January 22, 2022, all Canadian and non-U.S. individuals must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country, regardless of how they enter (e.g. land borders, ferry terminals or airports.) Travellers must provide proof of vaccination whether they are travelling for essential or non-essential reasons. These requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents or U.S. nationals.

December 29, 2021 - Message from Global Affairs Canada

Planning a winter escape abroad? Now is not the time.

Since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has had travel restrictions and border measures in place to reduce the risk of importing the virus and its variants that cause COVID-19. As the situation evolves, so will the Government of Canada’s response and advice.

In response to the significant risks and uncertainties presented by the spread of the Omicron variant in Canada and globally, the Government of Canada advises against non-essential travel outside of Canada. All border measures will continue to be evaluated and adjusted based on the latest science, evidence and data.

Travelling during a pandemic is risky and your trip could end up very differently from what you had anticipated. Travel restrictions and requirements—in Canada or at your destination—can change at a moment’s notice and you should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance to change your travel plans or help you return to Canada if flight availability changes.

If you decide to travel, you should understand the risks and consider the impact your travel may have on your personal health, your family and your community. You should make sure you know what is covered by your travel insurance provider if you become infected with COVID-19 and how a global travel advisory to avoid non-essential travel affects your coverage. We also urge you to register your travel plans with the Government of Canada at Registration of Canadians abroad and consult COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders before planning your trip for the latest updates.

October 21, 2021 - Government of Canada Removes Global Travel Advisory

The Federal government has removed the global advisory to avoid all travel due to COVID-19. Country-specific travel advisories have resumed. To see the country travel advisories, visit the government of Canada website at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

October 21, 2021 - Standardized Canadian COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination for Travel Announced

Prime MinisterJustin Trudeau has announced that, in collaboration with provinces and territories, a standardized Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination is now available to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon, and will be available in the other provinces soon. Canada is also engaging with international partners to obtain recognition and acceptance abroad, so the proof can also be used to facilitate travel around the world.

The Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination provides Canadians a reliable and secure way to demonstrate their COVID-19 vaccination history, both in Canada and abroad. It is issued by provinces and territories to individuals who are vaccinated and registered with their provincial or territorial health authority. The proof of vaccination can also be used with ArriveCAN, the mobile app and website for travellers to submit mandatory information when arriving in Canada from other countries.

U.S. Extends Border Closure to Non-Essential Travel to October 21, 2021

The U.S. has extended its restrictions on land travel from Canada to at least Oct. 21. Only essential travellers will be allowed to drive into the U.S., although air travellers may enter for any reason. Travellers must show proof of a negative molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before their flight.

Unvaccinated Passengers on Carnival Cruises Must Have Travel Insurance

Starting August 01, Carnival Cruises is requiring all unvaccinated and mixed vaccination passengers to show proof of travel and repatriation insurance. Guests have the option to purchase insurance from either a separate travel insurance company, or through Carnival’s Vacation Protection program. For more details click here.

Government of Canada Travel Restrictions Update - July 2, 2021

• Fully vaccinated travellers will not be required to quarantine or complete a day-8 test. In addition, fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air will not be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel to await their on-arrival test result.

• Fully vaccinated travellers must still meet the pre-entry and on-arrival testing requirements, be asymptomatic and must submit all required COVID-19 information electronically into ArriveCAN prior to travel to Canada, have a paper or digital copy of their proof of vaccination, and have a suitable quarantine plan.

• To be considered fully vaccinated, travellers must have received at least 14 days prior to entering Canada, the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine — or combination of vaccines —accepted by the Government of Canada. Travellers must provide proof of vaccination in English or French (or a certified translation).

Canada-US Border remains closed until at least July 21, 2021

The U.S.-Canada border travel restrictions have been extended another month to July 21. Canada Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said measures for fully vaccinated Canadians, permanent residents, and others permitted to enter Canada will be announced Monday, June 21.

The Canada-United States land border have been closed since March 2020 to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Potential travellers should consult the Border Information Service for information.

Examples of discretionary/optional travel include:

• tourism
• recreation
• entertainment

If you do not have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and must cross the border for work or other non-discretionary purposes, you may continue to do so. Some examples of non-discretionary travel purposes are:

• work and study
• critical infrastructure support
• economic services and supply chains
• health, immediate medical care, safety and security

Some persons working in the health care field are considered exempt from the border prohibition. This is the case as long as they do not provide direct care for people over 65 years of age within the first 14 days of their entry into Canada.

Even if you are permitted to cross the border, mandatory quarantine measures may still apply upon your return to Canada.

Canada Increases Fine For Quarantine and Testing Evasion to $5,000

As of June 4, 2021, police have the authority to enforce the Quarantine Act with fines of up to $5,000 for non-compliance. That applies to people who refuse to stay in a quarantine hotel or refuse a COVID-19 test. This is an increase from the $3,000 fine previously applied.

What Returning Canadians Must Know

March 30, 2021 - With spring upon us, many Canadian snowbirds are preparing to return home. Some may have been vaccinated abroad and may wonder if pre-entry requirements still apply. Travellers are not exempt from pre-entry requirements, even if they have: 

• been vaccinated against COVID-19 
• tested negative for COVID-19 
• recovered from COVID-19

Travellers must quarantine for a minimum of 14 days, even if they have proof of a negative molecular test.

If they enter the country by air, travellers must await the result of their entry COVID-19 test in a government-authorized hotel, at their own expense. To book accommodations at such a hotel, call 1-800-294-8255 (toll-free within Canada) or 1-613-830-2992 (collect outside North America).  All travellers, whether they have been vaccinated, have tested negative or have recovered from COVID-19, must get a COVID-19 test within 72 hours before boarding a flight or crossing the land border to Canada. They must also take a COVID-19 test on arrival, and they must take another test on the 10th day of their quarantine.

Mandatory submission of travel information using ArriveCAN 

Before boarding a flight to Canada or arriving at a land border crossing, travellers must electronically submit their travel and contact information, as well as their quarantine plan, using the ArriveCAN mobile app or by signing in online at Login to ArriveCAN.

Within 48 hours of entering Canada, all travellers must use ArriveCAN or call the 1-833-641-0343 toll-free number to confirm they have arrived at a government-authorized hotel or the address they provided for their place of quarantine or isolation. They must also complete a daily COVID-19 symptoms self-assessment during their 14-day quarantine period.   

Note that the province or territory of your final destination may have additional restrictions .

For complete details on quarantine and pre-entry test requirements when entering Canada by air or by land, please see: 

Mandatory quarantine or isolation   

Flying to Canada requirements checklist  

Driving to Canada requirements checklist

PM says Canada is actively exploring vaccine passports

On March 12, 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested Canada could adopt a policy of vaccination passports for international travel, distinguishing between vaccination passports for international travel, and proof of vaccination for use domestically, i.e. for everyday activities here in Canada.“I’m not excluding anything,” he said this morning, adding “we’ll see how the next months unfold.”

Trudeau noted that such passports present issues of equity and fairness if required for everyday activities in Canada. The Globe and Mail is reporting that the federal government’s science advisor will submit feedback in the coming weeks on if and how Canada should adopt vaccination passports.

Travel Restriction Update - Februrary 22, 2021

With new COVID-19 variant detections increasing in the country, the Government of Canada has implemented further testing and quarantine requirements for travellers arriving to Canada’s air and land ports of entry.

For travellers arriving to Canada by land

• All travellers, with limited exceptions, are required to provide proof of a negative result of COVID-19 molecular test taken in the United States within 72 hours of arrival;

• In addition, travellers entering Canada at the land border are required to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival and another toward the end of their 14-day quarantine.

For travellers arriving to Canada by air

• All travellers, with limited exceptions, are required to take a COVID-19 molecular test when they arrive in Canada before exiting the airport, and another toward the end of their 14-day quarantine period; 

• All air travellers, with limited exceptions, are also required to reserve a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel; 

• These new measures are in addition to the existing requirement to provide proof of a negative result of a COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of their scheduled flight.

For all travellers arriving by land or air 

• All travellers are required to submit their travel and contact information, including a suitable quarantine plan, electronically via ArriveCAN before crossing the border or boarding a flight.

The Government of Canada continues to strongly advise Canadians to cancel or postpone any non-essential travel, including vacation plans, outside Canada. Foreign nationals should likewise postpone or cancel travel plans to Canada. Now is not the time to travel.

Useful links

• Information for travellers arriving by air 

• Information for travellers arriving by land 
• Additional testing and more stringent quarantine requirements for travel to Canada 
• COVID-19: Travel, quarantine and borders 
• COVID-19 measures, updates, and guidance issued by Transport Canada 
• ArriveCAN 

• Travel.gc.ca/travel-covid (including the list of government-authorized hotels) 

We invite you to follow us on @TravelGoC and to amplify our content and share this message on your social media platforms. You might also consider posting a “do not travel” alert on your website’s home page. #nowisnotthetime  

Canada Announces Tighter Travel Restrictions

On January 29, 2021, Canada’s Prime Minister announced new travel restrictions and protocols to prevent new variants of the coronavirus from entering the country.

The government has negotiated with Canada’s main airlines (Air Canada, Westjet, Sunwing and Air Transat) to suspend service to all Caribbean destinations and Mexico starting Sunday, January 31, 2021, up until April 30, 2021. The airlines will be making arrangements with their customers who are currently in those regions to bring them back to Canada.

Starting next week all international passenger flights must land at Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal airports. In addition to the pre-boarding COVID test that is currently required, in the coming weeks, the government will be introducing mandatory PCR testing at the airport for people returning to Canada. Travellers will have to quarantine up to 3 days at an approved hotel waiting for their results at their own expense. This hotel quarantine is expected to cost $2000 per traveller. If they receive a negative test result, they can continue to quarantine at home under significantly increased surveillance and enforcement for the remainder of their 14-day quarantine. Anyone with a positive COVID-19 test will be immediately required to quarantine in a government facility to finish their 14-day quarantine to ensure they don’t have the variant. This stay at the government facility will not be at their expense.

In the coming weeks, non-essential travellers will have to show a negative COVID-19 test before entry at the land border with the US and the Government of Canada is working to create stronger measures for land travel

Pre-departure COVID-19 testing and negative results for air travellers coming to Canada

As of January 7, 2021, all passengers five years of age or older, are required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling by air from another country to Canada. Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to coming to Canada. The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test within 72 hours prior to boarding a flight to Canada.

All travellers will have their quarantine plans reviewed by a government official and, if not suitable, will be asked to quarantine in a federal quarantine facility. Travellers to Canada must use ArriveCAN and provide accurate contact information and their mandatory 14-day quarantine plan on or before entry.

The Government of Canada has taken action to increase surveillance and enforcement of these mandatory quarantine restrictions. Violating any instructions provided when you enter Canada is an offence under the Quarantine Act and could lead to up to six months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines.

Canadians who are currently travelling and returning to Canada should start immediately arranging for a COVID-19 test, to avoid a delay in their return to Canada. Canadians who are planning to travel abroad should consider how they will meet these requirements before departure.

Government of Canada's Level 3 Travel Advisory Still in Effect

The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising travellers to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As foreign governments implement strict travel restrictions and international transportation options continue to become less available, you may have difficulty returning to Canada or may be unable to do so. Local authorities may impose control measures suddenly, including movement restrictions such as quarantine. In some countries, travellers may have limited access to timely and appropriate health care should they become ill.

The Government of Canada's Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act requires persons entering Canada by air, sea or land to isolate for 14 days if they have symptoms of COVID-19, or to quarantine themselves for 14 days if they are asymptomatic to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Advisory: Planning out-of-country travel? Make talking with your insurer part of your plans

A recent survey found that 20 per cent of Canadians plan to travel outside the country once the current COVID-19 related restrictions are lifted. If you are among them, travel insurers are urging you to take some extra steps to make sure you are protected from the unexpected. To find out more about this advice, read the information in the Consumer News section of this site.

COVID-19: Global Affairs Canada reminds Canadians to follow official travel advice

While some countries are preparing to partially open up their borders, the Government of Canada wants to remind all Canadians that a global travel advisory to avoid all non-essential travel outside Canada remains in effect. It also continues to advise travellers to avoid all cruise ship travel until further notice.

Over the last few months, Global Affairs Canada undertook Canada’s largest and most complex ever consular operation to help Canadians return home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada has largely completed that operation and is planning the final few remaining flights in the next weeks. Additional facilitated flights to bring Canadians home are not anticipated. Although it is doing all it can to support Canadians outside the country, it recognizes that many may need to remain abroad.

The Government of Canada strongly advises Canadians to follow the government’s official travel advice to ensure your personal safety and security. It encourages Canadians to talk to their travel insurance provider about extending their insurance policy should they need to and to find out whether they are covered for medical treatment if they become infected with COVID-19.

It acknowledges that the lives of Canadians outside Canada have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who remain abroad may experience difficulty in obtaining essential products and services and may face strict public health measures, movement restrictions and quarantines.  

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada continues to work with governments around the world to ensure Canadians abroad receive all necessary medical and ongoing support.

If you are currently abroad, you should:

• consult the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories on Travel.gc.ca regularly for information on measures put in place at your location
• read our advice for Canadians abroad at Travel and COVID-19: Your safety and security outside Canada
• sign up with our Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important updates
• stay up to date on developing situations through our Travel Smart app and our Twitter and Facebook channels

The government's top priority remains the health and safety of Canadians. If you need medical attention or psychological support while abroad, our officers can help you find local emergency services and the nearest hospital. Contact the nearest Government of Canada office or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre for assistance. 

Associated links

• Travel and COVID-19: Your safety and security outside Canada
• Pandemic COVID-19 all countries: Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada
• COVID-19: Financial help if you are outside Canada
• Travel insurance
• Request emergency assistance
• Embassies and consulates
• About consular services
• Travel Advice and Advisories
• Registration of Canadians Abroad

Canadians Urged to Return Home

The Government of Canada has strongly urged all Canadians to return to Canada immediately. This is an unprecedented order to protect travellers’ health. Given the current and constantly evolving COVID-19 situation throughout the world, the member companies of the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA) strongly advise all Canadians currently abroad to follow the Government of Canada’s recommendation to return to Canada as soon as possible.

More information about this is available here.

Mandatory Isolation for Returning Travellers

On March 25th, 2020 Canada's Minister of Health announced an Emergency Order that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. Failure to comply with this order could result in a fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months. The government plans to conduct spot checks to verify compliance.

Preventing and Slowing the Spread

Follow these guidelines to help reduce the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. THIA members are dedicated to providing services and coverage to support all travelling Canadians. You can find information about how to be a smart traveller on THIA’s website: www.thiaonline.com/consumer-resources.html.