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COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders

Return or travel to canada.

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

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
• Pre-board testing is not required
• COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required
• Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required
• to save time at the border, you can use Advance Declaration in ArriveCAN to submit your customs and immigration declaration before flying into Canada
• 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
• It's strongly recommended that you wear a well-constructed and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 , you shouldn't travel to Canada.

If you feel sick or experience any symptoms of COVID-19 during your travel to Canada or upon arrival, you should:

• inform the flight attendant, cruise staff or a border services officer upon arrival. You may be referred to a Quarantine Officer for a health assessment and further direction.
• avoid taking public transportation
• check provincial or territorial requirements for what you need to do if you’re symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19

Travelling in and out of Canada

• International travel advice and advisories
• COVID-19 and international travel
• Proof of vaccination
• Find out if you need a visa

Wearing masks on planes and trains in Canada is not required.

• It's still strongly recommended that you wear a high quality and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

Situation in Canada

• COVID-19 guidance, vaccines, limiting the spread
• Summary data about travellers, testing and compliance

The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation. See the COVID-19 border measures backgrounder .

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Canada travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Canada travel in 2024 with official Canada travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

As restrictions vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on rules affecting U.S. citizens.

Last update: January 28, 2024. Originally published: September 2021.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Photo credit: Kelly January 2024: “Canada is an extremely diverse and safe Country to visit at all times of the year. Travel and daily life is back to normal, however, many employees continue to work remotely and employers continue to have a difficult time finding staff If travellers fall ill while visiting Canada, there are plenty of walk-in clinics and emergency rooms in every Canadian city, making healthcare easily accessible. However, it is still wise for travellers to purchase health insurance prior to visiting.” – Kelly of Just One Passport , resident of Canada

At the end of the post, we share more on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Canada so you can get a true sense of what to expect.

Table of Contents

Is Canada open for travel? Can I travel to Canada right now?

As of October 2022, Canada travel restrictions for all travelers entering Canada by air, land or sea include:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
• COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required
• Quarantine is not required
• ArriveCAN is not required
• Pre-boarding tests for cruise passengers are not required
• Health checks to board planes and trains are not required
• Wearing masks on planes and trains is not required but strongly recommended

Quarantine rules in Canada: What happens if I get Covid?

Foreign tourists who  test positive for Covid while in Canada should self-isolate immediately. Travelers may be required to cover costs of quarantine accommodations.

Those with severe symptoms are advised to call 911 or the local emergency number in Canada.

Canada Proof of Vaccination Requirements for Dining, Travel, and other services

You might be wondering: Do I need a vaccine certificate or Covid test to enter restaurants, public transit, and other services in Canada?

As of June 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required to board a plane, train or cruise ship when traveling within Canada. Generally it is not required to enter businesses or restaurants.

Each province or territory has the authority to require a proof of vaccination each situation.

Can I travel to Canada in April 2024? Can I travel to Canada this Spring?

Travel to Canada in April is possible for foreign travelers. Read on for details and check back for updates.

What is it like to fly to Canada right now? YYZ Toronto Pearson International Airport? YVR Vancouver International Airport? Masks are no longer required but still strongly recommended. The airports are using enhanced cleaning procedures and hand sanitizer is available throughout the terminals.

As of October 2022 , all persons arriving in Canada will no longer be subject to randomized testing at airports . 

Using ArriveCAN is now optional for travelers flying into international airports to submit an Advance CBSA Declaration to save time upon arrival in airports like Toronto, Vancouver or Montréal.

What is it like to drive into Canada right now? Travelers can enter Canada during open hours at land borders . Required documents must be shown at the border.

Check Canada-US border wait times here.

Do I have to quarantine when traveling to Canada? No. Quarantine upon arrival is no longer required in Canada. Persons who test positive for Covid in Canada are asked to quarantine. See above for details.

Does Canada check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? No. Health screening procedures are no longer required to enter Canada.

Does Canada require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? No. Covid pre-entry tests and arrival tests are no longer required.

Does Canada require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? No . Proof of vaccination is no longer required in Canada.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? No. Travelers are no longer required to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine to enter Canada.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Canada? At this time, booster shots are not required in Canada. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers in Canada? U.S. citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test from provincial health authorities or private facilities in Canada.

The cost for private testing varies depending on the location and can exceed $300. Rapid tests for $60 with results in 30 minutes are available by appointment near Toronto Airport .

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Canada who get the virus? Canada hospitals and clinics are open. Canada’s universal healthcare does not pay for visitors.

Testing centers are also available for foreign visitors in some provinces and territories in Canada.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Canada? Essential services, restaurants, bars, and retail shops are open in Canada. Some limitations, such as proof of vaccination requirement, may still be implemented in some provinces. 

Check here for restrictions in each province.

Are face masks required in Canada? Wearing of face masks is no longer required in Canada but still recommended.

Are buses running in Canada? Public transportation is available throughout Canada. 

Will Canada impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, most countries impose COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable. Canada has been relatively proactive and “strict” on preventive Covid measures.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Canada?

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a recession and increased unemployment in Canada. Tourism was hit especially hard.

Canada experienced a surge in cases with the Omicron variant. Many provinces reintroduced restrictions. As the situation came under control, Canada started easing travel restrictions.

As of October 2022, Canada ended all travel, testing, and border requirements and restrictions related to COVID-19.

Canada initially started reopening for tourism in summer 2021. As of September 2021, fully vaccinated foreign travelers have been allowed to visit the country without undergoing quarantine.

Canada began COVID-19 vaccination in December 2020. Currently, more than 3/4 of the total population has been fully vaccinated.

For the current situation in Canada, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in Canada; and COVID-19 testing in Canada, please see the Government of Canada website .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Canada?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are recommended in crowded public places. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Canada locals and recent travelers say about visiting Canada now?

What is it like to visit Canada right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect.

The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

September 2023 – Ryan of WaylessTravelers , Canadian: “The current state of tourism is back to normal, like during pre-Covid times. The multiple summer and fall festivals have returned to Montreal, including F1 weekend, Just for Laughs, Jazz festival etc… Restaurants are also very lively and full. 

All the local attractions, restaurants, concerts, malls are back to normal operations. No restrictions (masks/gloves/testing) are imposed.

We do recommend to reserve activities and restaurants ahead of time as we have noticed that they do book up usually a few days in advance. We believe this is because a lot of Canadians are preferring to travel more locally due to still some hesitancy of traveling abroad.”

May 2023 – Nick Rosen of The World Overload , American visitor:  “I flew to Quebec City and Montreal for a one week vacation in May 2023. There are currently no travel restrictions but some locals and visitors continue to follow Covid guidelines including masks and safe distances. There is easy access to healthcare and testing.

All attractions and food services continue to operate for tourism. Hours may vary depending on day/weekend. Please check ahead when scheduling. Be aware that summer is the time when most construction and repairs are done by the cities you will be visiting.”

January 2023 – Melissa from My Beautiful Passport , Canadian: “Tourism in Ontario is picking up overall, with most events & festivals resuming in 2023, if they didn’t already resume in 2022. 

Canada appears ready to welcome tourists back into the country. Niagara Falls and other popular Canadian destinations are lively, restaurants and attractions are open, and people are ready to explore again, wearing masks indoors as encouraged. Hospitals are not currently overwhelmed.”

September 2022 – Michelle, Intentional Travelers, US citizen: “We flew from the US to Canada for a conference in Montreal, Quebec. I submitted our ArriveCAN information a couple days before the flight using the website. It was pretty simple to input our passport number, vaccine dates, and upload a photo of our CDC vaccine cards. Then there was a form for trip details. There was a quick Covid self-assessment form asking about fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Confirmation included a six-digit code and QR code that we printed and brought to the airport.

After all that, we had more online processes to complete for both airlines on our itinerary (United and Air Canada), including uploading our CDC vaccine cards again. Air Canada’s site did not accept our vaccine card image, but it wasn’t a problem, I guess because we had ArriveCAN done.

To board the flight from US to Canada, we only had to show our passport and ticket. On arrival in Montreal, we only ‘flashed’ our ArriveCAN confirmation to an agent on our way to the machines where we scanned our passports and completed immigration questionnaires, which included just one question about having any Covid symptoms, and took a picture. Arriving around midnight, the process took less than 15 minutes.

We were fortunate all our bags arrived. The baggage claim looked like a luggage graveyard with hundreds of unclaimed suitcases everywhere!”

May 2022 – Mayuri of Canada Crossroads , Canadian resident: “In my province (Alberta, home to the Canadian Rockies) domestic tourism has been flourishing. All the sightseeing spots are open, but some have restricted hours. 

Since February (in Alberta, and from April nationwide) things are open, no restrictions in terms of social distancing, masking, access to medical care, restaurants, stores and hotels. In fact many airports are busier than usual (including the country’s busiest Toronto airport – just flew last week). I feel we need to be a little more prepared for summer tourism as many international visitors are wanting to explore Canada.”

March 9, 2022 – Samantha of Continuous Roamer , Canadian resident: “Domestic travel in Canada is straightforward since there are no extra requirements once you have entered the country. However, mask wearing is necessary and some provinces still require a vaccine passport.

The vaccine passport has been removed in Ontario in March. Capacity in Ontario restaurants is now at 100% so it is easier to get a table. Although, free antigen covid tests are extremely difficult to access at pharmacies in Ontario. British Columbia still requires the vaccine passport, therefore lines are longer to enter some establishments while your pass and ID are checked.”

January 20, 2022 – Haley Blackall Travel , Digital Nomad:  “My partner and I visited family and worked online in Kelowna BC for 2.5 months from mid-November 2022 to end of January 2022. Tourism in this region of Canada is low, due to winter conditions especially for international visitors. Make sure you have all the required documentation upon arrival, because airline personnel are doing proper checks. If you arrive in Canada from an international destination and are unvaccinated, there is a smooth running process for a mandatory Covid-19 test at the airport upon arrival, and the ArriveCAN app is easy to navigate in which the government keeps a close eye on contact tracing and quarantine requirements. Canadians have quick access to healthcare, including testing for antigen and PCR. After restaurants offering takeout and delivery services only at the beginning of the pandemic, dining in is becoming more popular. Besides the use of masks, life is getting back to normal in Canada.”

January 2022 – Mary from Brbymary, French traveler: “I flew to Vancouver for a week [from Ireland] to visit my partner’s family. Everything was well organised through ArriveCan app. Testing at the airport was easy although a bit behind and people respected rules in general. Plan some additional time to do tests at the airport and to do tests on arrival even if you have an appointment.”

December 2021 – Federica of Globetrottoise , Canadian nomad:  “I would say Canada is a pretty safe destination at the moment, especially outside the big cities. I’ve been road tripping around the Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta in the past few months and always felt safe and able to enjoy most attractions, from museums to national parks.  Canada is open to vaccinated travellers only and health regulations are in place in most public places. Masks are mandatory inside almost everywhere and in some provinces the access to cafes restaurants, movie theaters, libraries, etc is possible only with a valid proof of vaccination. Attractions are mostly open everywhere and access to covid testing is pretty easy (but quite pricey).”

November 12, 2021 – Nicole of Traveling BC , Canadian citizen: “While businesses are still operating under restrictions, in general, many rules have lifted and now it’s ‘full steam ahead’ in the tourism industry. Some touristy areas (the coasts and the Rockies) even became quite busy over the summer, since everyone wanted to go on a much-needed vacation. If you visit, you’ll have to show a negative COVID test and be required to wear a mask, socially distance, and show your vaccination passport!

Most people and businesses follow the restrictions and around 75% of people are fully vaccinated, although compliance with restrictions and vaccinations varies between provinces and cities. Accessing COVID testing is easy and quick, although you’ll have to pay for the test if you’re traveling. A lot of healthcare has moved to online appointments, and some hospitals are still overwhelmed in areas with lots of COVID cases. Businesses are open to tourists, but many operate under reduced hours, lower capacities and may have halted certain services/activities due to COVID. You will often have to book activities online or by phone, and make sure to wear a mask and bring proof of vaccination, or businesses will deny you entry.”

November 2021 – Chris, American digital nomad: “I flew to Newfoundland for one month in October and November of 2021. Everything seems to be open again, though every place where you would take off a mask (such as a restaurant) requires you to show proof of vaccination. People seem very respectful and friendly, happy to show you around. There is voluntary contact tracing check-ins at a lot of locations. There don’t seem to be long lines anywhere. Testing is free and readily available.”

October 9, 2021 – Nicole, Go Far Grow Close , Vancouver BC, Canadian resident:  “Visitors are very much welcome. There are strict regulations for visitors to enter Canada (fully vaccinated) so we know that they are as safe or safer than the locals. So long as they follow the rules – wear masks indoors – no one cares. I feel that we are very travel ready in Canada. If you feel ill, there are free drive through covid testing sites. Hospitals are available. Local attractions, food services, and all amenities are open so long as you wear masks indoors (or when you get up in a restaurant), social distance and follow whatever other rules might be in place. Restaurants are still not at full capacity but getting there. Movie theatres are open. We eat out regularly, go to movies, and do not feel restricted.”

September 2021 – Kathy, American traveler: “We planned to spend two months in British Columbia, Canada. We had to show proof of vaccination and have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of crossing. We managed to get a test at a local CVS pharmacy (for free) and got our results in about 36 hours. Whew! There is another place to get a test in Seattle with guaranteed results but they cost $165 each. We also had to go to the website ArrivCan.com and answer questions and download our vaccine cards. Finally, in the early morning hours of August 9th we arrived at the Canadian Border just south of Vancouver, BC at around 4:30 a.m. There were approximately 20 cars/trucks in two lines. Unfortunately, the line we picked took forever so when it finally turned 6:00 a.m. another agent opened a new gate and we were there and across the border in about 10 minutes. We have now been in BC Canada for over a month. There are very few U.S. citizens here but lots of traveling Canadians. In fact, their COVID numbers have spiked so it is now a requirement to wear masks in stores/grocery stores and entering and leaving restaurants. No problem. We feel safe doing that and know that even though there is some resistance, most Canadians are fully vaccinated. In fact, as of August 13th restaurants and bars and other certain businesses now require that people show proof of vaccination to enter. I am in complete support. We feel grateful we were able to spend some of our summer in this beautiful country.”

Planning a trip to Canada?

Check out our other Canada travel resources: – The Scenic Route: Kelowna to Banff – The Best of Banff on a Budget – Kelowna: British Columbia’s Hidden Gem – Montreal, Quebec Summer Trip Guide

– 5 Awesome Things to Do in Vancouver, BC in Summer

If you have questions or updates about travel to Canada during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below.

~ Pin this post for later or share with friends ~

Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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Canada is still requiring a negative covid test 72 hours before embarkation when on a cruise ship entering any Canadian ports. This has not been changed. The change is for land ,and air and sea other than a cruise ship

Thank you for this clarification. We have updated our post to better reflect requirements for cruise ships.

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Canada’s COVID-19 International Travel Rules: Ultimate Guide

• Post author: Andrew D'Amours
• Post published: July 16, 2021
• Post category: Canada news / Travel news
• Post comments: 23 Comments

International travel has always been allowed for Canadians, but the Government of Canada has implemented many rules in early 2021… and it was clearly done more in response to travel-shaming in the media than in response to any facts or evidence. That said, as your resource for all things travel, Flytrippers is publishing this overview of the rules so that you can have all the information in one place.

Let’s take a look at each travel-related measure with a short explanation about each, its concrete impact on Canadian travelers, and its current known end date (although that pretty much means nothing at this point).

We finally went on our first international trip of 2021 to go get vaccinated , and we’re now both on our 2nd trips separately , so we’ve now experienced many of these measures that mostly didn’t exist last summer and fall for the first time. We’ll have posts about our personal experience with each measure soon (and tips).

International travel vs. travel within Canada

To be clear, this post is only for international travel, which is obviously by far the best kind of travel .

It’s not that Canada isn’t beautiful (of course it is) but our mission is to help you travel more for less… so you can discover new cultures and explore our beautiful world. International travel is simply infinitely more gratifying for us as human beings (and it’s simply absurd to think that international travel is necessarily automatically more—or less—risky than travel within Canada).

We’ll soon have a separate post for travel rules within Canada. They are a lot simpler, at least for the 4 most populous and popular provinces: no tests, no quarantines, nothing (which isn’t very logical since COVID-19 is spreading just as much right here compared to across imaginary country lines— or even spreading more ).

Subscribe to our free newsletter to get all coronavirus updates.

Canada’s COVID-19 international travel rules

Finally, for the first time ever, restrictions are being loosened starting July 6th .

Here is an infographic that summarizes all the rules.

If you prefer, we also have this step-by-step simplified infographic for international travel.

Since there are so many measures now (11), we’ve split them up into 3 distinct groups to make the whole thing a bit easier to understand.

Travel-related measures that affect Canadians (7)

Travel-related measures that don’t affect canadians (2).

• Non-binding travel-related measures (2)

Here is the list and then the details of each rule.

Travel-related measures that affect Canadians

• Proof of negative pre-entry COVID-19 PCR test
• COVID-19 test on arrival
• Hotel quarantine for arrivals by plane
• 14-day quarantine for all arrivals
• Final COVID-19 test at home
• Land border closure for outbound traffic
• International arrivals restricted to 4 airports (except for the Prime Minister)

Travel-related measures that don’t affect Canadians

• Entry restriction for non-American foreign nationals
• Entry restriction for Americans

Non-binding travel-related measures

• Global travel advisory
• Ban on India nonstop flights

Comparison: by land vs by air

Before I get into each measure, here is another infographic to highlight the differences between both options for entry to Canada.

Note that this is:

• For travelers who are NOT fully vaccinated
• For fully vaccinated travelers, the only remaining differences are the first one and the last one
• These are NOT all the rules; just the differences so you can see them at a glance

These are the only rules Canadian travelers really need to know about.

1. Proof of negative pre-entry COVID-19 PCR test

The Canadian government requires all travelers entering Canada to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed in the 72 hours prior to the flight to Canada’s scheduled departure time (or 72 hours before arrival at the land border).

At the land border, the test must also have been performed in the USA (we trust foreign labs by plane, but not by land—that’s some good science for you).

If you are in the US, there is an alternative to PCR tests: NAATs. These are much quicker, and they are free at Walgreens pharmacies. I shared a detailed post about free COVID-19 tests in the USA and I’ll have one about testing in general soon.

Finally, if you are arriving from India, see the special testing rule in the last section.

Concrete impact for Canadian travelers

You must get proof of the test in time (beware of the math with stopovers) and provide it upon boarding (by plane) or upon entry (land border). You must also submit quarantine details in the ArriveCAN app before arrival.

Current known end date

July 21st, 2021.

Detailed post

A teaser in the PCR test section of my experience entering Canada , with a more detailed post coming soon.

2. COVID-19 test on arrival

The Canadian government requires all non-essential travelers entering Canada to take a COVID-19 test on arrival, either at the airport or at the land border. This test is free.

Sometimes, a kit to self-administer the test at home is provided instead of doing it on the spot.

You must take the test or pay a substantial fine.

You can see my video about arrival testing in Canada .

3. Hotel quarantine for arrivals by plane

Finally, here is a first rule that can be avoided by being fully vaccinated: it does not apply fully vaccinated travelers since July 5th .

The Canadian government requires all travelers entering Canada by plane to spend the first few days of their quarantine in one of the dozens of government-approved hotels while awaiting the COVID-19 test results.

Entering Canada by land exempts you from the hotel, vaccinated or not.

Most hotels can now be booked online (at first it was by phone only!!!) for 3-night packages at a cost of approximately $1,000 (!!!).

It is quite frankly a huge scam and even the government’s own panel of experts says it’s ineffective and should be removed for all travelers immediately, but it’s still here!

You must book your hotel prior to your flight, you must provide the booking confirmation, and you must check-in at the hotel upon arrival.

July 21st, 2021 for unvaccinated travelers.

Canada’s hotel quarantine: ultimate guide .

4. 14-day quarantine for all arrivals

This also not apply to fully vaccinated travelers since July 5th . And contrary to what was first announced, they DO NOT have to quarantine at home while awaiting the results of their arrival test. Fully vaccinated means no quarantine whatsoever.

The Canadian government requires all unvaccinated travelers to isolate for 14 days. This starts on the day of arrival for those arriving overland, and those who arrived by air must continue the rest of their 14-day quarantine at home after the hotel quarantine.

Travelers can leave the hotel and go home whether they test positive or negative : the only difference in the rules is that if the test is positive, it is not allowed to use shared transportation to go home (it is with a negative test).

You must stay at home for 14 days and you must self-report symptoms daily in the ArriveCAN app.

Coming soon.

5. Final COVID-19 test at home

This also does not apply to fully vaccinated travelers since July 5th .

The Canadian government requires all unvaccinated travelers to undergo another COVID-19 test on Day-8 of the 14-day quarantine (changed from Day-10) via a self-administered test kit provided on arrival and then schedule a pickup (or go into a pharmacy in certain regions). This is free as well.

You must take another test at home and send it in. You must have received your negative result AND wait until the end of day 14 to end your quarantine.

6. Land border closure for outbound traffic

The Canadian and American governments have closed the Canada-USA border to non-essential travel.

However, this only applies to outbound traffic: Canadians are always allowed to return to Canada by any means. And traveling to the US is not banned: flying there is completely allowed, it’s just the land border that is closed.

You must fly to leave Canada, but you can return overland.

“Mid-August”.

Canada-USA border closure due to the coronavirus

7. International arrivals restricted to 4 airports (except for politicians)

The Canadian government has restricted all international flight arrivals to just 4 airports: Toronto-Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), and Calgary International Airport (YYC).

Politicians, like Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said he would follow all the rules, don’t have to follow this rule apparently ; it’s just for ordinary people.

You must enter Canada via one of those 4 airports.

These are the rules that are irrelevant for Canadian travelers as they only affect foreign nationals.

8. Entry restriction for non-American foreign nationals

The Canadian government has banned all non-American foreign nationals from entering Canada for non-essential reasons. However, transits in airports are allowed.

“Early September” according to a recent government announcement.

9. Entry restriction for Americans

The Canadian government has a separate rule banning Americans from traveling to Canada for non-essential reasons. It is in fact part of the same rule as the land border closure above, but we split it to make it easier to understand each specific measure based on who it applies to. Transits in airports are also allowed, as are some transits to Alaska overland.

Non-binding travel measures (2)

Many who aren’t travel experts often seem to confuse these measures with actual restrictions. It’s important to understand the facts about all these complex topics so we wanted to split these out to make it clear that they are not bans, laws, or rules—unlike the above measures.

10. Global travel advisory

The Canadian government has issued an advisory against all non-essential international travel. This is not binding in any way: it is not a law, rule, or ban. It is merely a recommendation that travelers can choose to follow or not (just like the government’s recommendations to avoid some countries before the pandemic).

None (although it does void some travel insurance —but not all).

11. Ban on India nonstop flights

The Canadian government has banned all nonstop flights to India. This is not a ban on traveling to that country and this is not a ban on returning to Canada from that country.

Canadians can simply fly to and from India via a connecting flight in a third country BUT they must get their PCR test done in the transit country (special rule just for India).

The initial suspension included Pakistan, but that ended on June 21. A voluntary suspension of flights to the Caribbean and Mexico by airlines also ended in June.

You must transit via another country to go to India.

Canada’s India and Pakistan flight ban

Want to get all coronavirus updates for Canadian travelers?

Sign up for our free newsletter.

These are Canada’s rules for international travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These 11 travel-related measures don’t all apply to Canadian travelers, but the 7 that do apply are pretty restrictive.

What would you like to know about these travel-related measures? Tell us in the comments below.

Explore awesome destinations : travel inspiration

Learn pro tricks : travel tips

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Andrew D'Amours

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This post has 23 comments.

My daughter is here from the UK returning in mid August. I have been looking at the COVID tests that she needs to have 72 hours before leaving Canada. They seemed to be quite expensive at at least 199 plus tax (Shoppers) up to 250 (Rexdale) plus tax are there other places that would be cheaper we could get this test? Thanks

Hi those are PCR test prices, the UK accepts the cheaper/faster rapid antigen tests so that should lower the price significantly. They are even available at Pearson airport directly for $60 🙂

Good morning ,i am from montreal . i am double vaccinated , i m planning to visit my family in boston arround the 22 july and i prefer go by land , what are the chances that mr trudeau will open the land border by 21 july ? and ususally they will annonce something arround the 17 th? thank you

Hi, hard to tell at this point if it will really reopen on July 22nd. Earlier this month it seemed more likely… now not so much. We should know around the 18th-19th. We’ll follow this very closely.

Where is the cheapest place to get COVID testing in Canada, prior to leaving for the U.S.? I am seeing in Alberta that one has to go through Dynalife or Shopper’s Drug Mart, both are $150+taxes.

Hi, options vary by province and we’ll soon have an ultimate guide to help all travelers find the cheapest prices. In the meantime, just make sure you look for antigen testing for the US as those are accepted and are much cheaper than PCR tests 🙂 And don’t forget to NOT pay $150 for a test in the US to return to Canada, they are free at Walgreens 🙂

Where exactly can we find the information about the Mandatory Quarantine Hotel no longer required for unvaccinated travelers as of July 21st, 2021? I can’t seem to find that information anywhere.

Thank you so much for your informative posts!

Nowhere because it’s not that it is no longer required on July 21st. What we wrote is that the current government rule expires July 21st, but that does NOT mean it will not be extended unfortunately :S

Sir, I am a PR in Canada. At present in India. I have to return Toronto. Direct flights from india are banned. Someone has told me that I can fly through Mexico or other such country. Please help me what to do. Thanks

Canada will let you in no matter where you arrive from, but you need to find a country that lets you transit there. I know many have used Istanbul (IST) as a transit point, but rules change very often so make sure it is still allowed when you plan to come over.

Actually just saw today that Turkey has implemented stricter measures…

What are my duties,obligations and rights to travel if i’m Fully Vaccinated inside and out of Canada??

Hi, outside of Canada it really depends. Every single country makes their own rules, and they are almost all different. Many countries have reopened to (fully) vaccinated travelers with no testing/quarantine requirement, and that list will obviously keep growing. The US CDC (their health agency) no longer recommends quarantining if you’re fully vaccinated. In Canada though, it’s simple… being fully vaccinated changes absolutely nothing.

The CBC is travel shaming Canadians who cross at the land border now to avoid the forced hotel jail stay when returning by air.They have a banner running across the bottom of CBC News Network every couple of minutes.

Also on their website. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/border-land-crossings-1.5994627

“Health Canada did say in an email that “the government of Canada is continually evaluating the impacts of border measures.”

Land border crossings could get more attention in light of Canada’s decision Thursday to ban passenger flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days in response to rising COVID-19 case counts and the spread of new variants. ”

Expect forced hotel jail very soon for Canadians returning by land.

Sad. Let’s hope not.

Looks like forced internment is coming soon for those crossing by land.. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/extend-quarantine-to-land-borders-1.6008422

Quite possible! It makes no sense, but that has never stopped them!

Hi everyone, excellent website I must say. My wife and sons (13 and 9) are travelling to Orlando in August, 2021. My wife and I are both double dosed but our sons are not. I get that we need to provide a negative PCR test before returning to Canada. There is so much info about where to test in Orlando, costs, turnaround times, state resident vs out of state etc…..question is, has anyone actually been to FL, tested, received timely results and not spent a ton of time and $ doing it? Very much appreciated, thanks and be safe.

Hi, I didn’t do it in Florida but the rules at Walgreens are the same in any state. Just make an appointment online for RAPID ID NOW tests, they are free and you’ll get results in 24hrs (but in practice it’s much quicker; I got mine in 1 hour). Not to be confused with RAPID ANTIGEN tests, those are NOT accepted to enter Canada. Walgreens does not care about residency or citizenship or insurance, just write your hotel address for the US address during the online appointment booking, they won’t ask anything about that on location. And tell everyone you know to stop paying $200 per person for tests that are so easy to get for free in the US haha 🙂

Do you have the rates for the 3 days for any more hotels in Vancouver? How can one find out?

Hi, calling is sadly the only way to know :S

If arriving to Canada through yyz but the final destination is yow how is this working in terms of this bs mandatory hotel stay / then flying to yow?

Yes, you need to quarantine in a Toronto hotel until you get the results and then take your connecting flight. Airlines are apparently flexible with rescheduling the flight due to the new rules.

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I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada

October 1, 2022 : covid-19 emergency border measures ended.

Refer to COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for details.

As of February 6, 2022 , the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ( CFIA ) has new limits on regulated goods that travellers may import for personal use. Consult the following for details:

• Automated Import Reference System ( AIRS )
• Bringing food into Canada for personal use or
• Importing aquatic animals for travellers or personal use
• Maximum quantity limits for personal use exemption

Any quantities above the new limits will require that travellers obtain the following in advance of arrival:

• a B3 commercial entry
• a Safe Food for Canadians licence

For commercial shipments : you must obtain a Safe Food for Canadians ( SFC ) licence for food you are importing into Canada for a commercial purpose (for resale). Consult the following for details:

• Commercially importing food to Canada

This is to advise that as of March 15, 2021 , food import transactions of previously registered food commodities meat, fish, dairy, eggs, processed eggs, processed fruits or vegetables, honey, maple and, fresh fruits or vegetables will automatically be rejected by the Canadian food inspection agency ( CFIA ) when transmitted electronically, unless a valid SFC licence is entered in the Integrated Import Declaration (IID) and shipments may be refused entry to Canada .

Businesses must obtain their SFC licence before presenting their shipment at the border. They will not be able to obtain an SFC licence at the border.

Please contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ( CFIA ) for more information on import requirements and consult the CFIA's website for further details on commercially importing food to Canada .

The information in this guide provides an overview of the laws, restrictions, entitlements and obligations that apply to Canadian residents returning to Canada following international travel of less than one year.

The information applies to personal goods only. Residents who are importing goods for commercial purposes should refer to the Step-by-step guide to importing commercial goods into Canada .

For more information, call the Border Information Service (BIS).

Know before you go

Identification, travelling with children, protecting yourself from diseases, protecting your valuables.

• Travelling with CAN$10,000 or more 

Save time at the border

Are you eligible, absence of less than 24 hours, absence of more than 24 hours, absence of more than 48 hours, absence of more than 7 days, what conditions apply, do you spend part of the year outside canada, provincial considerations, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, gifts, prizes and awards, modifying an item outside canada, repairs or alterations to your vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, emergency repairs, returning to canada, making your declaration, you and the border services officer, false declarations and the seizure of goods, if you became ill while travelling, the payment of duty and taxes, duty and taxes estimator, applicable duty rate and taxes, importing a marine pleasure craft, unaccompanied goods, food, plants, animals and related products, health products and prescription drugs, goods contaminated with soil, prohibited consumer products, cultural property, firearms and weapons, explosives, fireworks and ammunition, obscene material, used or second-hand mattresses, other prohibited goods, goods subject to import controls.

You must carry proper identification for yourself, your children and any dependents travelling with you.

Proper identification includes a Canadian passport, a Canadian birth certificate, a citizenship card or a Certificate of Indian Status. The Government of Canada recommends that Canadian citizens and dual citizens travel internationally with a valid Canadian passport . This is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel.

In the case of international air travel, the following documents are proof of Canadian citizenship: a valid Canadian passport, a Canadian temporary passport or a Canadian emergency travel document.

International transportation companies—such as air, rail or bus lines—may require travellers to present a passport and/or a Canadian Permanent Resident Card. You may face delays or may be prevented from boarding if you do not present one of these documents.

In Canada, persons under the age of 18 or 19 are considered minors (or children). The age of a minor is determined by the province or territory of residence. When travelling abroad, minors should carry a Canadian passport . In the air mode, they must carry a Canadian passport. It is also strongly recommended that the following documents be available:

• Consent letter  confirming that the child has permission to travel abroad (for example, when taking a trip alone or with only one parent);
• Supporting additional identification , such as a passport, birth certificate or citizenship card; and
• Other legal documents , such as divorce papers, custody court orders or a death certificate (if one parent is deceased).

Minors travelling alone or with an adult will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the port of entry.

For more information, consult Travelling with Children .

Before you leave Canada, you should contact a travel health clinic to find out what vaccinations and medications you might need. For more information, consult Travel Health .

You should take advantage of a free identification service for valuables you are bringing with you on your travels. This service is available at all CBSA offices across Canada and helps ensure that you have proof that your goods were in your possession prior to leaving Canada.

To use this service, before leaving Canada, you must present your valuables to a border services officer. You must state that you acquired them in Canada or lawfully imported them at an earlier date. The officer will list your valuables and their serial numbers on a wallet-sized card called a Form BSF407, Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation. This service is available for items that have serial numbers or other unique markings. For items that do not have such markings, the CBSA can apply a sticker to them so that they can be identified for customs purposes as goods that are legally permitted in Canada.

There is no expiry date on the form; therefore it remains valid as long as the information is current and legible.

When returning to Canada, show your card to the border services officer as proof, if requested.

It is recommended that you travel with as little jewellery as possible. As jewellery often has significant value and can be difficult to identify, it cannot be listed on a Form BSF407 in the same way as other valuables. You should take the following steps before you leave Canada to make it easier for you to re-enter the country with these items:

• Obtain an appraisal report along with a signed and dated photograph of each piece of jewellery from a recognized Canadian gemologist, jeweller or your insurance agent;
• Obtain written certification that the items or jewellery in the photographs are the ones described in the appraisal report;
• Take the jewellery appraisal reports, certification statements and photographs to a CBSA office to be validated prior to travelling outside of Canada;
• If the jewellery was purchased in Canada, retain the sales receipt;
• If you imported the goods previously, make sure you have a copy of your importation receipt (BSF175 Casual Goods Accounting Document) ; and
• Carry the appraisal reports, the certifications and photographs when travelling outside Canada.

Travelling with CAN$10,000 or more

There are no restrictions on the amount of money you can bring into or take out of Canada, nor is it illegal to do so.

However, any time you cross the border, you must declare any currency or monetary instruments you have in your possession that are valued at CAN$10,000 or more. The CAN$10,000 can be any combination of Canadian or foreign currency and monetary instruments, such as stocks, bonds, bank drafts, cheques and traveller's cheques. This requirement applies to you whether you are travelling on business, pleasure or if you are carrying money on behalf of someone else.

When you arrive in Canada with currency or monetary instruments valued at CAN$10,000 or more in your possession, you must report it on Form E311, the CBSA Declaration Card (if one was provided to you), on an Automated Border Clearance kiosk or a Primary Inspection Kiosk , or in the verbal declaration made to a border services officer.

When leaving Canada by air with currency or monetary instruments valued at CAN$10,000 or more in your possession, you must report to the CBSA office within the airport before clearing security. Prior to leaving Canada by land, boat or rail, report to the CBSA office nearest your location.

If you are a NEXUS member and are crossing the border with currency or monetary instruments valued at CAN$10,000 or more, you cannot use NEXUS in the land, air or marine modes of transportation. For more information: NEXUS Terms and Conditions .

Consult Travelling with CAN$10,000 or more .

The CBSA offers voluntary Trusted Traveller programs to streamline border clearance for pre-approved, low-risk Canadian and U.S. citizens and permanent residents. As a member, you can use the following Trusted Traveller programs when entering Canada at major airports, highways and waterways:

The NEXUS program is jointly run by the CBSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and offers benefits to trusted travellers who are crossing the border into Canada and the U.S.

To become a NEXUS member, you must: complete the online application process; satisfy the admissibility and eligibility criteria; pass risk assessments carried out by both the CBSA and U.S. CBP; and attend an interview at a NEXUS Enrolment Centre. Visit the NEXUS Application web page for more information.

The CANPASS suite of programs

The CANPASS suite of programs offers benefits to trusted travellers (Canadian citizens or permanent residents only) who are crossing the border into Canada. These programs include:

• CANPASS Air
• CANPASS Corporate Aircraft
• CANPASS Private Aircraft
• CANPASS Private Boats

To become a member of one or more CANPASS programs, you must: complete the registration process (with a paper application); satisfy the admissibility and eligibility criteria; and pass risk assessments carried out by the CBSA. When applying to join CANPASS Air, you must also visit an enrolment centre to finalize your enrolment. Visit the CANPASS site for more information.

Personal exemptions

You may qualify for a personal exemption when returning to Canada. This allows you to bring goods up to a certain value into the country without paying regular duty and taxes.

You are eligible for a personal exemption if you are one of the following:

• a Canadian resident returning from a trip outside Canada;
• a former resident of Canada returning to live in this country; or
• a temporary resident of Canada returning from a trip outside Canada.

Children are also entitled to a personal exemption as long as the goods are for the child's use. Parents or guardians can make a declaration to the CBSA on behalf of the child.

What are your personal exemptions?

The length of your absence from Canada determines your eligibility for an exemption and the amount of goods you can bring back, without paying any duty and taxes. (The exception is a special excise duty that may apply to certain tobacco products. Refer to Tobacco Products section .)

• Personal exemptions do not apply to same-day cross-border shoppers.
• You can claim goods worth up to CAN$200.
• Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are not included in this exemption.
• If the value of the goods you are bringing back exceeds CAN$200, you cannot claim this exemption. Instead, duty and taxes are applicable on the entire amount of the imported goods.
• Goods must be in your possession and reported at time of entry to Canada.
• A minimum absence of 24 hours from Canada is required. For example, if you left at 19:00 on Friday the 15th, you may return no earlier than 19:00 on Saturday the 16th to claim the exemption.
• You can claim goods worth up to CAN$800 .
• You may include alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, within the prescribed limits. Refer to sections Tobacco Products and Alcoholic Beverages.
• If the value of the goods you are bringing back exceeds CAN$800, duties and taxes are applicable only on amount of the imported goods that exceeds CAN$800 .
• A minimum absence of 48 hours from Canada is required. For example, if you left at 19:00 on Friday the 15th, you may return no earlier than 19:00 on Sunday the 17th to claim the exemption.
• You must have tobacco products and alcoholic beverages in your possession when you enter Canada, but other goods may follow you by other means (such as courier or by post). However, all of the goods you are bringing back must be reported to the CBSA when you arrive. See Unaccompanied Goods section.
• A minimum absence of seven days is required. When calculating the number of days you have been absent, exclude the day you left Canada but include the day you returned. For example, we consider you to have been absent seven days if you left Canada on Friday the 7th and return no earlier than Friday the 14th to claim the exemption.
• You cannot combine your personal exemptions with another person's or transfer them to someone else.
• You cannot combine your personal exemptions. For example, if you are absent from Canada for 9 days total, you cannot combine your 48-hour exemption (CAN$800) with your 7-day exemption (CAN$800) for a total exemption of CAN$1,600.
• In general, the goods you include in your personal exemption must be for your personal or household use. Such goods include souvenirs that you purchased, gifts that you received from friends or relatives living outside Canada or prizes that you won.
• Goods you bring in for commercial use or for another person do not qualify for the exemption and are subject to applicable duties and taxes. In all cases, goods you include in your 24-hour exemption (CAN$200) or 48-hour exemption (CAN$800) must be with you upon your arrival in Canada.
• Except for tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, goods you claim in your 7-day exemption (CAN$800) may be shipped to your home by mail, courier or other means of transportation.
• You must always report the value of the goods you are importing in Canadian funds. Foreign currency amounts including any foreign taxes must be converted to Canadian dollars at the applicable exchange rate recognized by the CBSA.

If you spend six months or less in another country for health reasons or pleasure, the CBSA still considers you a resident of Canada and you are entitled to the same exemptions as other Canadian residents. When you import foreign goods or vehicles for your personal use into Canada (even temporarily), you must meet all import requirements and pay all applicable duty and taxes.

Except for restricted items, you can bring any amount of goods back to Canada. If you qualify for a personal exemption, you will be required to pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply on the amount that exceeds your personal exemption. If you do not qualify for a personal exemption, you will be required to pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply on the entire amount.

Alcoholic beverages are products that exceed 0.5% alcohol by volume. Certain alcoholic and wine products that do not exceed 0.5% by volume are not considered alcoholic beverages.

If you have been away from Canada for 48 hours or more , you are allowed to import one of the following amounts of alcohol free of duty and taxes:

You must meet the minimum age of the province or territory where you enter Canada. Minimum ages are established by provincial or territorial authorities: 18 years for Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec and 19 years for the remaining provinces and territories.

The CBSA classifies "cooler" products according to the alcoholic beverage they contain. For example, beer coolers are considered to be beer and wine coolers are considered to be wine.

The quantities of alcoholic beverages you can import must be within the limit set by provincial and territorial liquor control authorities that apply where you will enter Canada. If the amount of alcohol you want to import exceeds your personal exemption, you will be required to pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply. Contact the appropriate provincial or territorial liquor control authority for more information before you return to Canada.

You can speed up your clearance by having your tobacco products available for inspection when you arrive.

Whether they are stamped or unstamped, if you bring in tobacco products that exceed your personal exemption, you will be required to pay the regular duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply on the excess amount.

Note: You must be 18 years of age to bring tobacco products into Canada under your personal exemption.

Stamped Tobacco Products – Personal exemption amounts

If you wish to import cigarettes, manufactured tobacco and tobacco sticks duty free as part of your personal exemption, the packages must be stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté ". You will find tobacco products sold at duty-free stores marked this way.

If you have been away from Canada for 48 hours or more, you may import all of the following amounts of cigars and stamped tobacco into Canada free of duty and taxes.

Unstamped Tobacco Products – Special duties rate

A special duty rate applies to cigarettes, manufactured tobacco and tobacco sticks that are not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté".

For example, if you claim a carton of 200 cigarettes as part of your personal exemption and it is not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté", you will be assessed at a special duty rate.

Unstamped Tobacco Products – Import limits

In addition to your personal exemption amounts, there are limits on the quantity of tobacco products that may be imported if it is not packaged and not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté ". The limit is currently five units of tobacco products. One  unit of tobacco products consists of one of the following:

Sending gifts to Canada

While out of the country, you can send gifts to friends in Canada and not pay duty and taxes under the following conditions: each gift must not be worth more than CAN$60 and the gifts cannot be tobacco products, alcoholic beverages or advertising matter.

The recipient must pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply for each gift having a value in excess of CAN$60. You should include a card indicating that the item is a gift to avoid any misunderstanding.

Returning with gifts

While gifts you send while outside Canada do not count as part of your personal exemption, those accompanying you when you return to Canada, whether gifts for others or gifts you received, are subject to personal exemption limits.

Prizes and awards

In most cases, you must pay regular duty and taxes on these items if you receive them while outside Canada. Prizes can be claimed as part of your personal exemption. You must pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial assessments that apply in excess of your personal exemption.

If you take an item outside Canada and change it in any way to enhance its condition or value, it may be subject to duty and taxes when you bring it back into the country. You must declare the value of any work, including repairs, and you may have to declare the full value of the new item.

Even if the good originated in Canada the CBSA is unable to treat the enhanced item as a good returning to Canada. There are different requirements for work done on items, including repairs, outside of Canada. There may be relief if this work is carried out in Canada's free trade partner countries. If you are considering having any work done to your goods outside of Canada, you should contact the CBSA beforehand.

Example: You take an old diamond ring with you on a trip outside Canada. While on your trip, you decide to have the diamond taken out of the old setting and placed in a new setting. When you return to Canada, the CBSA does not consider the ring to be "returned" jewelry and the ring must be declared accordingly. Depending on where you had the work done, you may be required to pay duty and taxes on the full value of the ring or on only the cost to have the work done.

If you plan to have repairs, alterations or additions made to your vehicle, vessel or aircraft outside of Canada, you must declare the work when you arrive at the border. In such cases, you should check with the CBSA for information before you leave.

You may have to pay duty and/or taxes on the work done. In some cases, where the work is carried out in certain countries outside North America, you may have to pay duty and/or tax on the entire value of the vehicle, vessel or aircraft when you bring it back.

Refer to the following CBSA documents for more information:

• D8-2-26, Goods Returned After Repair or Alteration in the United States, Mexico, Chile, Israel or Another CIFTA Beneficiary, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Jordan or Panama
• D8-2-25, Canadian Vessels Repaired or Altered in the United States, Mexico, Chile, Israel or Another CIFTA Beneficiary, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Jordan, Panama, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland or Norway

If you are outside Canada and you have emergency repairs made to your vehicle, vessel or aircraft, the repairs are duty and tax exempt. To be eligible for this special provision, be sure to declare the value of all repairs and replacement parts when you return to Canada with the vehicle and provide any supporting documentation, such as police or insurance reports.

If there is any doubt that the repairs were required as a result of an emergency, you will be required to pay the duty and taxes that apply for a non-emergency repair or alteration. If you are later able to provide proof supporting the emergency repairs and eligibility for duty and tax relief, you may appeal the initial decision.

For more information, refer to D8-2-4, Canadian Goods Abroad Program – Emergency Repairs .

Transport Canada has requirements for vehicles that are extensively modified. For more information, contact Transport Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles . (1-888-842-8240)

You must declare all goods you acquired while outside Canada, including purchases, gifts, prizes and awards that you have with you or are being shipped to you. You must declare goods purchased at a Canadian or foreign duty-free shop, and any repairs or alterations you made to your vehicle, vessel or aircraft while you were out of the country.

If you are unsure whether to declare an item, or whether an item may be inadmissible, always declare it to the border services officer. Officers will assist you in making your declaration and will work out your personal exemption and any duty and taxes you owe in the way that benefits you most.

If you return to Canada by commercial aircraft, you will receive a Form E311, CBSA Declaration Card to complete before you land. These cards are also used at some locations for travellers arriving by train, boat or bus. If you have any questions about the card or related Canadian regulations, ask the border services officer when you arrive. If a declaration cannot be completed at primary inspection, you will be directed to secondary inspection for assistance.

Border services officers will assist any individual who is unable to complete the card because of a disability.

If you arrive in Canada in a private vehicle, such as an automobile, an aircraft, a boat or a bus, you will usually make an oral declaration.

If you are declaring goods that you have claimed under your CAN$800 (7-day) personal exemption that are not in your possession but will follow you, ask the border services officer for Form BSF192, Personal Exemption CBSA Declaration when you arrive in Canada. You must retain your copy of this completed form until you have received and accounted for all of the goods. Refer to Unaccompanied goods .

Upon arrival in Canada, you may be asked to undergo a more detailed process. This is a normal part of the border process which anyone entering or re-entering Canada may experience. You may be asked to complete other forms, or the border services officer may need to examine the goods you are bringing into Canada and ask questions about them. Border services officers are legally entitled to examine your luggage. You are responsible for opening, unpacking and repacking your luggage.

By making your goods easily accessible for inspection, and having your receipts handy, you will be helping the CBSA complete its inspection more quickly. It is a good idea to keep all your receipts for accommodations and purchases, and for any repairs done to, or parts bought for, your vehicle. The border services officer may ask to examine them as evidence of the length of your stay and of the value of the goods or repairs.

If you have any concerns about your experience at the border, ask to speak with the superintendent on duty. A consultation can often resolve the issue. If you are still not satisfied, our officers can tell you how to make a formal complaint.

Some infractions at the border are criminal offences. Border services officers have the authority to arrest individuals for these offences, including those under the Criminal Code such as impaired driving, outstanding arrest warrants, stolen property and abduction or kidnapping. Individuals who are arrested may be compelled to attend court in Canada. Anyone placed under arrest is protected by, and will be treated in accordance with, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

For more information, refer to Secondary Services and Inspections .

If you do not declare goods, or if you falsely declare them, the CBSA can seize the goods. You may permanently lose the goods or you may have to pay a penalty to get them back. Depending on the type of goods and the circumstances involved, the CBSA may impose a penalty that ranges from 25% to 70% of the value of the seized goods.

Items such as tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are seized permanently when they are not properly declared.

Border services officers may seize all vehicles used to unlawfully import goods. If this happens, you will be required to pay a penalty before the vehicle is returned to you.

The CBSA keeps a record of infractions. If you have an infraction record, you may undergo a more detailed examination on future trips. You may also become ineligible for the NEXUS and CANPASS programs.

If your goods were seized and you disagree with the action taken, you can an appeal the decision by contacting the CBSA within 90 days of the date of the seizure. More information about the appeal process can be found on your seizure receipt form or at Appeals/Reviews .

If you are suffering from a communicable disease upon your return to Canada, or if you have been in close contact with someone with a communicable disease, you must inform a border services officer or a quarantine officer. They will determine if you require further assessment. If you have been ill while travelling or become ill after your return to Canada, inform a Canadian doctor that you have been abroad, where you were and what, if any, treatment or medical care you have received (such as medications, blood transfusions, injections, dental care or surgery).

Paying duty and taxes

The CBSA collects duty and taxes on imported goods on behalf of the Government of Canada. Duty is a tariff payable on a good imported to Canada. Rates of duty are established by the federal Department of Finance and can vary significantly from one good to another as well as from one free trade agreement to another.

The CBSA has areas at most major airports where you can pay any duty or taxes you owe while waiting for your baggage to arrive. Border services officers are there to assist you.

If you arrive by land, a border services officer will direct you to where you can pay duty and taxes.

Making a full declaration and paying any duty and taxes you owe is a simple, straightforward process. You can pay by cash, travellers cheque, Visa, American Express or MasterCard. The CBSA also accepts debit cards at most offices. If an amount is no more than CAN$2,500, you can pay by personal cheque as long as you meet certain conditions, including that you have not had more than one cheque returned from the Government of Canada due to non-sufficient funds (NSF) over a one year period. Consult "methods of payment" in Memorandum D17-1-5, Registration, Accounting and Payment for Commercial Goods .

A border services officer will give you a receipt showing the calculations and amount you paid.

Beneficial duty rate

After each trip outside Canada of 48 hours or longer, in addition to being eligible for a personal exemption of CAN$800 (48-hour) or CAN$800 (7-day), you are entitled to a beneficial duty rate of 7% for additional goods valued up to CAN$300 over your exemption amount. This rate does not apply to tobacco products or alcoholic beverages. It applies only to goods that accompany you and that do not qualify for duty-free entry under the Customs Tariff . You must still pay any goods and services tax (GST) or harmonized sales tax (HST) that applies. In some provinces , the CBSA also collects the provincial sales tax (PST).

Regular duty rate

If you do not qualify for a personal exemption, or if you exceed your exemption limit and beneficial duty rate amounts, you will have to pay the GST/HST, as well as any duty or other tax or assessment that applies on the excess amount. Duty rates vary according to: the goods you are importing; the country where the goods were made; and the country from which you are importing them. You may also have to pay the PST if you live in a province where the CBSA has an agreement to collect the tax and you return to Canada through that province.

To assist in calculating the amount owing, the CBSA has created a duty and tax estimator for travellers.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), no duty is payable on goods imported for personal use if the good is marked as made in Canada, the United States of America ( USA ) or Mexico, or if there is no marking or labelling indicating that it was made somewhere other than in Canada, the USA , or Mexico.

Canada's other free trade agreements contain a similar provision. Refer to D11-4-13, Rules of Origin for Casual Goods Under Free Trade Agreements .

Most imported goods are also subject to the federal goods and services tax and provincial sales tax or, in certain provinces and territories, the harmonized sales tax.

Provincial sales tax

The CBSA has agreements with some provinces and territories which allow the CBSA to collect provincial/territorial taxes, levies and fees on goods with a value that exceeds your personal exemption amount. If you reside in one of these provinces or territories and you return to Canada at a port of entry in your province or territory of residence, the goods that you import in excess of your personal exemption will be subject to a provincial or territorial assessment.

Harmonized sales tax

The Government of Canada has agreements with New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Ontario to collect the HST. If you live in a participating province and the value of the non-commercial goods you import is more than your personal exemption, you must pay the HST instead of the GST, regardless of where you enter Canada.

Value for duty and foreign sales tax

You must declare the "value for duty" of the goods you are importing. Generally, this is the amount you pay for the goods, including any foreign tax assessment. However, any foreign tax already refunded, or to be refunded by a foreign government, does not have to be included in your value for duty declaration.

Marine pleasure crafts are vessels that are used for non-commercial purposes. These include boats, fishing boats, yachts, dinghies, tenders, motorboats, sailboats and personal watercraft.

All pleasure vessels imported by residents of Canada, regardless of where the vessels are licensed or registered, are subject to all applicable duty and taxes when they are first imported into Canada. As of September 1, 2022 , a luxury tax applies to subject vessels that have a taxable amount over $250,000. For more information, refer to Luxury tax - Canada.ca .

If importing used marine pleasure crafts, the owner must ensure that the vessel is not infested or contaminated with Zebra or Quagga mussels as per the import prohibitions in the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations made under the Fisheries Act . The vessel should be cleaned, drained, and dried. Refer to Importing marine pleasure craft .

Often travellers acquire goods outside Canada and have these sent home. These goods arrive after your return to Canada. If you make such arrangements with a courier or postal company, you have 40 days from the date of your return to Canada to claim these goods. The good(s) mailed to Canada must qualify for the 7-day personal exemption. The shipment must not contain alcohol or tobacco products.

Upon arrival, you must tell a border services officer that you have shipped goods to follow and request Form BSF192, Personal Exemption CBSA Declaration . Be sure to retain your copy of Form BSF192 until you have received and accounted for all your goods.

Accepting or refusing courier deliveries

When a courier company delivers the goods, they will ask that you to pay the applicable duty and taxes along with a processing fee. You then have two options:

• You can accept delivery by paying the amount owing and then file a claim with the CBSA for a refund of the duties and taxes. For information on the casual goods refund process, refer to D6-2-6, Refund of Duties and Taxes on Non-commercial Importations ; or
• You can refuse to accept the delivery and avoid paying the duty, taxes and the processing fee. If you do this, you must advise the courier company at time of delivery that you will personally clear your goods with the CBSA. Otherwise, the goods will be returned to the country of export. Once you have personally cleared the goods with the CBSA, using Form Form BSF192, Personal Exemption CBSA Declaration you will be required to present the CBSA clearance documents to the courier in order for your goods to be delivered.

For more general information on importing goods by courier, refer to Importing goods for personal use .

Accepting or refusing postal deliveries

When Canada Post delivers the goods, you have three options:

• You can refuse the mail item and request a reassessment (a review of the amount charged before you pay);
• You can pay the duty and/or taxes and request an adjustment (a review of the amount charged after you pay); or
• If you want to return goods to sender before you pay the duty and/or taxes, advise Canada Post upon delivery.

For more information, please refer to Import by Mail .

Exchanging goods

You have 60 days from the date you imported goods under your personal exemption to avoid paying additional duty. Contact your nearest CBSA office for advice.

Restricted and prohibited goods

Importing certain goods into Canada is restricted or prohibited. The following are some examples of these goods.

You must declare all food, plants, animal and related products that you import into Canada. Failure to do so can result in your good being confiscated or you may be subject to a fine or prosecution.

Some of these items are prohibited or regulated because they can carry foreign animal and plant pests and diseases. Refer to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) Travellers: what you can bring into Canada .

Complete and current import requirements for CFIA-regulated products can be found by consulting CFIA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) . AIRS guides the user through a series of questions about the Harmonized System code, origin, destination, end use and miscellaneous qualifiers of the product they wish to import. The import requirements can change on a daily basis due to emerging threats.

Certain species of plants and animals that are endangered or threatened due to commercial exploitation are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) . Their trade is carefully controlled. CITES import requirements do not appear in AIRS. If you have questions about importing a CITES species, visit International trade in protected animals and plants .

Some aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as zebra and quagga mussels and live Asian carp, are prohibited entry to Canada. Refer to Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Aquatic Invasive Species website .

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has set additional limits on the quantity and/or dollar value of certain food products you can bring into Canada duty-free or that you can include in your personal exemption. Unless you have an import permit from GAC for quantities over and above the established limits, you will have to pay duty ranging from 150% – 300% of the value of the goods. Refer to Tariff Rate Quotas: Agricultural Products for more information.

In some cases, provinces and territories have legislation prohibiting possession or transport of specific invasive species and species that can carry diseases. Before you bring any plants, products or animals (either alive or dead such as in the case of carcasses, trophies or whole fish) into a province or territory, check with the jurisdiction to ensure you comply with provincial and territorial laws and regulations.

For more information, refer to Food plant and animal inspections .

In Canada, health products may be regulated differently than they are in other countries. For example, what is available without a prescription in one country may require a prescription in Canada.

Canada has restrictions on the quantities and types of health products that can be brought in.

More information

• Bringing health products into Canada for personal use ( GUI-0116 )
• Importing and exporting health products for commercial use ( GUI-0117 )

Soil is a major carrier of invasive species as well as plant and animal diseases.

Vehicles, equipment, footwear and other goods arriving at the Canadian border that are contaminated with soil are usually refused entry. These goods may be allowed entry under specific circumstances. Refer to Protecting Canada from Invasive Species .

Invasive insects and diseases can exist in firewood; it cannot be imported into Canada without a permit. Buy firewood locally and burn it on site. Refer to Don't move firewood .

The Canada Consumer Products Safety Act prohibits you from importing consumer products that could pose a danger to the public (for example, baby walkers or jequirity beans that are often found in art or bead work).

You should be aware of consumer products that have safety requirements in Canada. Many of these requirements are stricter than requirements of other countries. For more information refer to Bringing Consumer Products into Canada .

Certain antiquities or cultural objects considered to have historical significance to their country of origin cannot be brought into Canada without the appropriate export permits. Consult Import of Cultural Property for more information.

You must declare all weapons and firearms at the CBSA port of entry when you enter Canada. If not, the goods may be seized and you could face prosecution.

For more detailed information on importing a firearm into Canada, including licensing, registration and permit requirements, consult Import and Export a Firearm or Weapon into Canada .

You must have written authorization and permits to bring explosives, fireworks and certain types of ammunition into Canada. There are personal exemptions for some explosive items. For more information about the importation of these items consult Importation, Exportation and Transportation in Transit or contact Natural Resources Canada's Explosives Regulatory Division .

You are prohibited from importing goods such as obscene material, hate propaganda or child pornography, into Canada. Refer to D9-1-1, Policy on the Classification of Obscene Material and D9-1-15, Policy on the Classification of Hate Propaganda, Sedition and Treason .

You cannot import used or second-hand mattresses into Canada without a certificate that verifies the mattresses have been cleaned and fumigated in the country of export. A letter, or any other document that clearly demonstrates that this requirement has been met, is acceptable if it is signed by a person qualified in cleaning and fumigating. Refer to D9-1-7, Used or Second-Hand Mattresses and Materials Therefrom .

For information concerning other prohibited goods, consult Prohibited Importations .

To monitor the effects of imports on Canadian manufacturers, there are import controls on items such as clothing, handbags and textiles. These controls are outlined in the Export and Imports Permits Act . You may need an import permit, even if you qualify for a personal exemption, depending on the value, quantity or type of goods you intend to import.

For more information about these products, consult Global Affairs Canada's Export and Import Controls .

Vehicle imports fall under several federal departments, including the CBSA, Transport Canada (TC), and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Requirements from all of these departments apply.

What constitutes a vehicle

Under customs legislation, "vehicle" can refer to any kind of pleasure vehicle such as passenger cars, pickup trucks, camper trucks, vans, jeeps, chassis cabs, motorcycles, snowmobiles and motor homes; as long as it is used for non-commercial purposes.

For the purpose of importing, TC defines a vehicle as, "any vehicle that is capable of being driven or drawn on roads by any means other than muscular power exclusively, but does not include any vehicle designed to run exclusively on rails." Trailers such as recreational, boat, camping, horse and stock trailers are considered vehicles as are wood chippers, generators or any other equipment mounted on rims and tires.

Transport Canada requirements

For importing purposes, Transport Canada considers U.S.-leased and financed vehicles as "purchased" and these vehicles must meet TC's import and admissibility requirements.

Import restrictions also apply to most used or second-hand vehicles that are not manufactured in the current year and are imported from a country other than the United States. For further information, refer to Memorandum D9-1-11, Importation of Used or Second-hand Motor Vehicles .

Before importing any vehicle, you should contact the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV). Created by TC, the RIV administers a national program to ensure that imported vehicles are brought into compliance with Canada's safety standards.

Once a vehicle is released at the border, you must abide by the terms of your TC declaration which may include fulfilling additional requirements established under applicable legislative provisions.

For more information on TC's requirements on the importation of vehicles, including a complete list of vehicle classes, refer to D19-12-1, Importation of Vehicles or contact Transport Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Directorate .

Provincial/territorial requirements

You should also contact the provincial or territorial licensing authority to determine what provincial requirements may apply for importing and licencing a vehicle in that province or territory. Border services officers will verify compliance to provincial and territorial requirements and legislation prior to releasing a vehicle at the border.

Luxury tax on vehicles

As of September 1, 2022 , a luxury tax applies to subject vehicles that have a taxable amount over $100,000. For more information, refer to Luxury tax - Canada.ca

Has your vehicle come in contact with soil or manure?

Regardless of place of origin, imported used vehicles, farm equipment and related earth-moving vehicles and equipment must be free from soil, sand, earth, plant residue, manure and related debris. Many exotic plant pest organisms capable of causing economic loss to Canadian agricultural production can be transported in soil and related matter. Refer to D19-1-1, Food, Plants, Animals and Related Products .

Purchased, rented, borrowed or leased vehicles: restrictions on temporary importation

If you buy, lease, rent or borrow a vehicle while outside Canada, CBSA and Transport Canada legislation will allow you to bring it into Canada for your personal use on a temporary basis only under certain specific terms and conditions. For additional information, refer to D2-4-1, Temporary Importation of Conveyances by Residents of Canada and D19-12-1, Importation of Vehicles .

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Do you need a passport to go to Canada?

T raveling to Canada from the United States is relatively straightforward, but the documentation required can vary depending on your mode of transportation and citizenship status. While a passport is the most widely accepted form of identification for international travel, alternative options are available for U.S. citizens entering Canada by land or sea.

What you need to know about traveling to Canada

So, what exactly do you need to cross into Canada? It really depends on how you’re getting there.

What documents do I need to cross the Canadian border by car?

If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling to Canada by land or sea, you have a few options for acceptable documentation:

• Passport: A valid U.S. passport is the most widely recognized and accepted form of identification for international travel, including entry into Canada. It’s also the only document accepted for air travel to Canada.
• Passport card: This wallet-sized card can be used to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. It cannot be used for air travel.
• Enhanced driver’s license (EDL): Several U.S. states, including Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Washington, issue enhanced driver’s licenses that are designed to meet the document requirements for land and sea travel into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. EDLs are not valid for air travel.
• Trusted traveler program card: U.S. citizens enrolled in trusted traveler programs like NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST can use their program card to expedite entry into Canada at designated land border crossings.

What do you need to enter Canada from the U.S.?

To enter Canada from the United States, you need to present one of the following acceptable documents:

• Valid U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card (land and sea travel only)
• Enhanced driver’s license issued by an approved state (land and sea travel only)
• Trusted traveler program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST) (land travel only)

Can I travel to Canada with my U.S. birth certificate?

No, a U.S. birth certificate alone is not sufficient for entry into Canada. Although it serves as proof of citizenship, it does not include the necessary identification information required for international travel. A birth certificate must be accompanied by additional approved documentation, such as a government-issued photo ID.

Can you get into Canada with an enhanced license?

Yes, an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) issued by an approved U.S. state is a valid document for entry into Canada by land or sea. However, an EDL cannot be used for air travel to Canada or any other international destination. For air travel, a valid passport is required.

EDLs are currently issued by the states of Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Washington, specifically to facilitate land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean destinations. These licenses incorporate additional security features and are approved by the Department of Homeland Security and the Canadian government for border-crossing purposes.

Before traveling, it’s always a good idea to check the latest entry requirements and regulations with the Canadian government, as these can change over time. 

Bottom line

While a passport is the most widely accepted and recommended form of identification for travel to Canada, U.S. citizens have several alternatives for land and sea travel, including passport cards, enhanced driver’s licenses, and trusted traveler program cards. Regardless of the documentation used, all travelers need to meet Canada’s admissibility requirements and should familiarize themselves with the latest entry regulations before going on their trip.

The post Do you need a passport to go to Canada? appeared first on The Manual .

6 Cheapest Business Class Airlines for an Affordable Upgrade

By Jessica Puckett

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

With the ever-shrinking seats in coach class, the allure of those spacious front-of-plane cabins has never been stronger. Flying business class can feel reminiscent of the golden era of travel, when glamour and comfort ruled the skies. Perks like lie-flat beds, privacy doors that encapsulate seats, airport lounge access, and even chauffeur services can entice even the most austere travelers among us to contemplate splurging on an upgrade every now and then.

Of course, those amenities all come at a price. Business class fares can be prohibitively expensive for the average traveler, with one-way tickets soaring as high as several thousands dollars. But did you know that the cheapest business class airlines offer many of the best perks for less money? If you know the right carriers, an affordable but luxurious business class ticket could be within reach. Here’s everything you need to know about the cheapest business class airlines .

What perks and amenities do the cheapest business class airlines give you?

On board a cheap business class airline that still offers good value, you can expect a spacious seat—one that lies flat on longer routes—better in-flight meals, complimentary alcohol, and reserved overhead bin space.

Other perks on the ground will vary from airline to airline. Some carriers “unbundle” their cheapest business class fares, meaning amenities like airport lounge access , seat selection, and over-the-top perks like chauffeur services aren’t offered to keep prices lower. Other airlines simply do not offer any customers amenities like lounges at all.

To get the cheapest business class fares, you’ll have to decide what perks are most important to you. Would you prefer to relax in a lounge during a long layover? Or is an affordable bed in the sky with fully closing doors of more importance? The airlines below all offer luxury, but the emphasis is put on different stages of the travel experience.

What prices are considered affordable for business class?

The price for that premium seat can get quite steep: Flights in top business class cabins can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Like other airline tickets , the price of cheap business class fares can depend on the destination, time of year, when you book, and the airline itself. The longer the flight and the plusher the cabin, the higher the fare will climb.

However, according to recent data from aviation statistics firm Cirium , The average business class fare in 2023 was $1,845. So anything near or below that price point can be considered a pretty good deal for one-way in business class—keeping in mind the factors like the length of the flight and the amenities your ticket includes.

6 of the cheapest business class airlines

TAP Air Portugal business class tickets can occasionally be found for under $2,000 roundtrip.

TAP Air Portugal

Generally known as a budget carrier, TAP Air Portugal actually offers a solid—and affordable—business class product as well. According to Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going.com , TAP Air Portugal routinely prices its business class seats to Europe for less than $3,000 roundtrip—sometimes even slipping below $2,000 roundtrip. For that price, you’ll get lie-flat seats with bedding that includes wrap-around duvets and large pillows, as well as meal service that features Portuguese dishes and wines. The seats and finishes might not feel as plush as other business classes, but you’ll have space to stretch your legs and lie flat at an attainable price point.

Turkish Airlines

Offering a few more amenities but still cheaper rates in business is Turkish Airlines, a carrier that Nastro says also consistently offers seats in business class on flights to Turkey and other destinations in Europe for under $3,000 roundtrip. You’ll be well cared for in Turkish business class, which offers a lie-flat seat that’s more than six feet long and up to two feet wide, with an 18-inch entertainment screen. When it comes to dining, you’ll have access to the airline’s iconic flying chefs, who prepare a litany of Turkish dishes and other cuisines mid-flight and essentially transform the business class cabin into a flying, top-tier restaurant. Plus, business class passengers also have access to Turkish lounges when they arrive at the airport.

Emirates' most affordable business class option doesn't include perks like lounge access or seat selection.

Emirates “Special” business class fares

In order to give customers access to the cheapest business class seats, Emirates unbundles its business class fares. If you book one of these tickets, called “Special" business class fares by the airline, you won’t have access to Emirates lounges , chauffeur service, seat selection, or upgrades to first class. But once onboard the plane, you get all those bells and whistles Emirates business class is known for: ultra-comfy beds, gourmet food, premium cocktails, and even the A380’s onboard cocktail lounge.

Using the unbundled booking method can potentially save travelers thousands of dollars. A quick check of business class fares on Emirates’ New York to Dubai route for June 2024 showed the airline’s Special business class price at $2,787 one-way, while its Flex Plus business class ticket, which offers the most perks and rebooking options, clocked in at $6,229—a difference of more than $3,400. The Special fares are only available on certain routes and certain times of year, so if you see one that works for you, it could be worth locking in.

This little-known German carrier flies from 13 major US gateways to Europe, and is one of the best cheapest business class airlines out there. Condor’s sharp-looking business class cabins with striped accents offer seats that transform into a 6.5-foot lie-flat bed, 4K entertainment screens, and direct-aisle access for every passenger. Plus, each business class passenger gets access to Condor’s lounges. Fares start at about $1,100 on flights from New York to Berlin.

Qatar Airways’ Business Class Lite option is a more affordable way to book one of the best seats in the sky.

Qatar Airways Business Class Lite

Much like Emirates’ unbundled tickets, Qatar Airways’ Business Class Lite and Business Class Classic fares offer the same opulent seats to fliers who’d like to shave off a few amenities in order to save money. You won’t have lounge access or seat selection before check-in included in your ticket. But you can book into the revered Qsuites product, which offers fully closing doors around a spacious lie-flat seat (79 inches long and 21 inches wide) and impeccable in-flight service. While the price tag can’t be considered “cheap” compared to some carriers, the unbundled fares can be a more affordable way to book one of the best seats in the sky. The unbundled fares aren’t offered on all routes, but a search of Qatar’s flights from New York to Doha for August 2024 shows Business Class Classic fares for $6,268, while Business Elite is $8,810—a difference of more than $2,500.

JetBlue Mint

Although it’s not offered on every plane or every route, JetBlue’s Mint business class is among the best premium products in terms of value for the money. Mint offers a mix of standard lie-flat seats and more private suites with doors, depending on the aircraft layout. Each seat offers adjustable firmness, a massage function, and turns into a bed that’s six feet, eight inches long outfitted with blankets and pillows from Tuft and Needle. You can also expect some seriously scrumptious food and drink options, as JetBlue has partnered with New York restaurant group Delicious Hospitality, the collective behind Manhattan restaurants Pasquale Jones, Charlie Bird, and Legacy Records, to design the rotating menus in Mint. One-way tickets start at about $700 and range up to $2,000 to fly between New York and Los Angeles, but expect to pay more on JetBlue’s international routes.

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Ottawa airport finances looking up after years of pandemic struggles

Passenger numbers approaching pre-pandemic levels, airport authority says, social sharing.

After years of pandemic-related travel struggles, officials with the Ottawa International Airport say they're feeling optimistic that their finances and passenger traffic are finally starting to look up.

In its 2023 financial report, the Ottawa International Airport Authority announced it saw an increase in domestic and international passengers, inching closer to pre-pandemic volumes reported in 2019.

"I'm so pleased to see our passenger volume building back and our finances turned around," said the airport authority's president and CEO Mark Laroche in a statement Monday. 

The total number of passengers arriving at or departing from the airport reached 4,095,915 in 2023, compared to just under three million passengers in 2022.

It's still a long way from pre-pandemic numbers reported in 2019, when 5.1 million passengers passed through the airport.

Revenues took off in 2023

The majority of passenger traffic at Ottawa's airport is made up of domestic travellers, around 3.2 million. 

However, there's been a 241 per cent increase in international passengers, accounting for around 300,000 passengers in 2023.

The airport is also reporting earning $145.6 million in revenues in 2023, 30 per cent higher than the year before. The increase in revenue is attributed to rising passenger numbers, the report said. 

"After several years of fiscal restraint and hardship due to the effects of the pandemic, it's wonderful to be operating with positive earnings," said Laroche.

If the trend continues, Laroche said it will allow the airport to set aside the funds it needs to repay a debt of about $100 million racked up during the pandemic.

Related Stories

• Interest in Ottawa-Paris direct flights will determine whether they continue
• Budget flights to Calgary, Vancouver coming to Ottawa airport
• Ottawa airport disappointed with federal security snub
• Ottawa airport facing 'devastating decline' due to COVID-19

Protect Your Trip »

Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

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