by Jim Byers
Last updated: 5:27 PM ET, Wed August 11, 2021
Canadians will soon be able to get a vaccine passport for international travel, the Trudeau government announced today.
"We are working actively with the provinces and territories on a secure, pan-Canadian proof of vaccination for international travel," Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said.
The certificate will allow fully vaccinated Canadians to show they've got both of their shots when they go to travel to another country.
"These credentials will have a common design across all provinces," Mendicino said. " They will include the holder's COVID-19 vaccination history, including the vaccine types, date, and location."
"While Canadians should continue to avoid non-essential travel worldwide, the Government of Canada recognizes that proof of vaccination credentials will support the re-opening of societies and economies," officials said ia press release. "Canadians are looking for a more reliable and secure way to demonstrate their COVID-19 vaccination history to foreign and Canadian border officials. To that end, the Government of Canada is collaborating with the provinces and territories to develop a proof of vaccination that will facilitate cross-border travel, while reducing the risk of spread and importation of COVID-19.
"We are also continuing to engage with Indigenous partners across the country to ensure that a proof of vaccination credential responds to the needs and rights of Indigenous peoples."
"The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories to develop a secure pan-Canadian approach. This plan is based on advice from our public health officials with priority placed on the safety and security of all Canadians.
For Canadians who decide to travel, using a proof of vaccination will provide foreign border officials with the vaccination history needed to assess whether a traveller meets their public health requirements and provide a trusted and verifiable credential for when they return home.
Travellers will be able to submit their proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN (mobile app or Canada.ca/ArriveCAN) when coming back to Canada. While the focus is on a digital proof of vaccination, we will also make sure that these documents are accessible for all Canadians who may need to use them.
Destination countries determine if or what type of proof of vaccination is required and the related benefits that may be provided such as reduced or no testing or quarantine requirements. Canadians who do not have a proof of vaccination can travel outside the country, but they may have to quarantine or meet other requirements at their destination country, and they will be subject to mandatory quarantine and testing upon return to Canada.
Canadians should always check the Government of Canada's travel advice and advisories, as well as the entry and public health requirements of their destination country, before booking a trip, officials said.
"Thanks to the incredible progress that Canadians have made, our country is reopening-gradually, cautiously and guided by public health. This means that many Canadians are contemplating doing something they haven't done in over a year and a half: travelling. Our work with the provinces and territories to provide a consistent proof of vaccination is a key step forward in ensuring Canadians will have the documents they need once it is safe to travel again." Mendicino said.
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