By September 7, Canada welcomes vaccinated international visitors from all over the world to enter the country for non-essential purposes. Here’s what to expect.
International visitors will need to complete their vaccination 14 days before traveling to Canada. Also, they need to show a negative pre-arrival COVID19 test 72 hours before arriving. For individuals who recently had COVID19, they can show proof of a positive COVID19 test taken between 14 to 180 days before departure.
All passengers will also have to submit all their details via the ArriveCAN app. This should include proof of vaccination and a quarantine plan, in case they unexpectedly need to quarantine.
Canada has a border testing surveillance program where they randomly select travelers for testing. According to the notice, “All travelers who are randomly selected for the border testing surveillance program must complete the mandatory arrival test”. Those who will refuse testing may face fines.
A Few Exceptions for International Visitors
Aside from vaccination and tests, the type of vaccine matters. International travelers can only skip quarantine if they received vaccines approved by the Canadian government. Canada currently approved four COVID19 vaccines: Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson.
Also, Canada suspended flights from both India and Morocco. Canada suspended flights from India at least until September 21 and until September 29 for flights from Morocco.
No Reciprocation from the US
On August 9, Canada opened its land borders and allowed fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents to enter. Fully vaccinated American travelers didn’t have to quarantine but they will have to show a negative COVID19 test upon arriving.
However, US borders remain closed for Canadians. The US State Department even placed Canada on Level 3 travel advisory which says “reconsider travel”.
According to the state department: “Your risk of contracting COVID19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine”. This comes as both US and Canada are dealing with yet another surge brought about by the Delta variant.
