In what many would call an overdue decision, the federal government has lifted an advisory against all non-essential travel abroad.
The Level 3 travel advisory has been in place since March 2020. It was quietly changed last night with no official announcement, despite coming on the same day that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled Canada's international proof of vaccination system.
New advice on the government's travel advisory website says all international travellers should be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to travel and adhere to public health measures in their destination. Unvaccinated Canadians are advised to "continue avoiding non-essential travel to all destinations."
Somewhat bizarrely, the government has maintained its Level 4 advisory on cruising, warning citizens to "avoid all cruise ship travel outside Canada." Cruise lines have been successfully operating in Europe and Asia for over a year now, and from U.S. ports since early July. The extensive health protocols on ships appear to be working well.
Still, the change to the global travel advisory is good news for an industry trying to get back on its feet. It's tough to sell international travel when your country's government is advising citizens to stay home.
Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, was quick to send out a comment welcoming the change.
"This is a well overdue announcement, not just for us as an international tour operator, but for all the travel agents whose livelihoods depend on selling international travel," Poon Tip said.
"Canada has been world-leading in terms of having our citizens vaccinated, and now we can be world-leading in encouraging people to start travelling again, and to safely support communities around the world that have been devastated by the lack of tourism these past 18 months," Poon Tip added.
Effective October 30, Canadians will be required to show a federal proof of vaccination certificate for international travel. The document will also be required when travelling by plane, train or cruise ship within Canada.
Until November 30 unvaccinated Canadians will be able to board a plane or train with proof of a negative COVID test. Following that date, with very few exceptions, they won't be able to fly or take a train.
Despite the positive change, Canadian travel advisors still face a major obstacle due to Canada's requirement of a negative PCR test to re-enter the country. Costing upwards of $200 per person in some popular destinations, the test requirement could keep many Canadians at home this winter.
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