Canada is allowing fully vaccinated individuals who leave and return to Canada within 72 hours to not have to provide a negative (and costly) PCR test. The changes take effect November 30 and are a big boom to shorter, cross border trips.
Also effective November 30, 2021, Canada will expand the list of COVID-19 vaccines that travelers can receive to be considered fully vaccinated for travel to Canada. The list will include the Sinopharm, Sinovac and COVAXIN vaccines, which corresponds to the World Health Organization's emergency use list.
The exemption only applies to travel originating in Canada made by Canadian citizens, permanent residents or persons registered under the Indian Act who are fully vaccinated and who are leaving and returning to the country, for example air or land, in less than 72 hours, and who can demonstrate it.
The Government of Canada is also announcing that effective January 15, 2022, certain groups of travelers currently exempt from certain entry requirements will not be admitted to the country until they have been fully vaccinated with one of the approved vaccines. for entry into Canada. These groups of travelers are:
- people traveling to reunite with their families (unvaccinated children 18 and under are still exempt if they are traveling to reunite with an immediate or extended family member who is fully vaccinated or a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered person under the Indian Act );
- foreign students aged 18 and over;
- professional and amateur athletes;
- all persons who have a valid work permit, including temporary foreign workers (other than those in the agriculture and agri-food sectors);
- essential service providers, including truck drivers.
After January 15, 2022, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will only be permitted to enter Canada if they meet the criteria of the limited exceptions, which apply to certain groups, including workers in the agriculture and agri-food sectors, crew members of ships, people entering the country on humanitarian grounds, new permanent residents, resettling refugees and some children under the age of 18. Exempt unvaccinated travelers will continue to be subject to drug testing, quarantine and other entry requirements. Other unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will be prohibited from entering Canada.
As of November 30, you will need to be vaccinated to travel to Canada or abroad. A valid molecular COVID-19 test will no longer be accepted as an alternative to vaccination unless you qualify for one of the limited exemptions, such as medical inability to be vaccinated. As of November 30, 2021, travelers must contact the airline or rail company to obtain the required forms and submit them according to their approval process.
The Government of Canada's response to the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to prioritize the health and safety of Canadians. Depending on the evolution of vaccination rates, the number of cases and hospitalization rates, the Government of Canada will continue to consider other targeted border measures - as well as when to lift or modify them - to ensure the safety of members of the Canadian public.
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