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• Prime Minister announces standardized Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination for travel

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Vaccination is the best way to keep Canadians safe and healthy, get back to enjoying the things we love, and prevent future lockdowns. As new travel requirements roll out in Canada and around the world, the Government of Canada has been working closely with provinces and territories on a standardized proof of vaccination that facilitates international and domestic travel.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that, in collaboration with provinces and territories, a standardized Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination is now available to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon, and will be available in the other provinces soon. Canada is also engaging with international partners to obtain recognition and acceptance abroad, so the proof can also be used to facilitate travel around the world.

The Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination provides Canadians a reliable and secure way to demonstrate their COVID-19 vaccination history, both in Canada and abroad. It is issued by provinces and territories to individuals who are vaccinated and registered with their provincial or territorial health authority. The proof of vaccination can also be used with ArriveCAN , the mobile app and website for travellers to submit mandatory information when arriving in Canada from other countries.

This standardized proof will support Canada’s new traveller vaccination requirements that will come into effect on October 30, 2021. Travellers can continue to use their provincial proof of vaccination for domestic or international travel if their province is not yet issuing the standardized proof of vaccination.

Today’s announcement is part of the five vaccination commitments that the Government of Canada will implement in the first 100 days of its new mandate. More than 83 per cent of eligible Canadians are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but the fight against the virus continues. The government will continue to make vaccination a priority so we can keep Canadians safe, finish the fight against COVID-19, and build a better country for everyone.

“Canadians have done their part by getting vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. As new vaccine requirements roll out for travellers, we are working to ensure that those who travel have access to a reliable, secure way to demonstrate their COVID-19 vaccinations, both at home and abroad. We will continue to work with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners so this standardized proof is available across Canada.” The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Thanks to the ongoing collaboration and partnership with provinces and territories, the majority of Canadians will have access to a COVID-19 proof of vaccination they can use to travel. We are laying the groundwork now, so Canadians will have a more predictable travel experience overseas when borders fully re-open.” The Hon. Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“Vaccines are the best way to protect people from COVID-19 and end this pandemic. A standard proof of vaccination will further enable fully vaccinated Canadians to safely resume some of the pre-pandemic activities they enjoy. Our government will continue to work with provinces and territories to help Canadians from coast to coast to coast navigate this pandemic and keep each other safe.” The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs

Quick Facts

• To learn more about the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination and how to get it, visit Canada.ca/vaccine-proof .
• Most people vaccinated in Canada will be able to get a Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination from the province or territory where they received their vaccines. Those vaccinated outside Canada can check with their home province or territory to see if they can register their vaccine record to get a Canadian proof.
• The Government of Canada continues to engage with Indigenous partners across the country to ensure that a COVID-19 proof of vaccination respects the rights of Indigenous peoples. This includes ensuring the proof is equitable and accessible, and takes into account the needs of Indigenous communities, particularly along the Canada-U.S. border.
• Privacy remains a key priority. Provinces, territories, and Indigenous organizations are, and will remain, the custodians of Canadians’ health data. The Government of Canada has worked closely with partners to make sure the data contained within the standardized proof of vaccination only includes the minimum information needed to determine whether a traveller meets their entry and public health requirements.
• To support provincial and territorial proof of vaccination programs.
• To ensure everyone 12 or older travelling within Canada on a plane or train is fully vaccinated.
• To ensure all federal employees and people in federally regulated workplaces are fully vaccinated.
• To introduce legislation to make it a criminal offence to harass or threaten health care workers.
• Effective October 30, 2021, travellers departing from Canadian airports, and travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will be required to be fully vaccinated in order to travel. To allow travellers time to become fully vaccinated, there will be a short transition period where they will be able to travel if they show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel as an alternative to providing proof of full vaccination. If travellers have not already started the vaccination process, or do not start soon, they risk not qualifying for travel as of November 30, 2021.

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• Backgrounder: Using Canada’s COVID-19 proof of vaccination for travel

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• About the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination
• COVID-19: Travel, testing, quarantine and borders
• Travel Advice and Advisories
• Prime Minister announces mandatory vaccination for the federal workforce and federally regulated transportation sectors
• Vaccines for COVID-19: How to get vaccinated

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Current COVID-19 Border Measures for Travellers Entering Canada (CBSA)

The Government has announced travel restrictions due to concerns over the Omicron variant and is re-instating COVID-19 testing on all air travellers entering the country with the exception of the United States.

• The Government of Canada continues to make cautious adjustments to its border approach using scientific evidence and data.
• In response to the emergence of the Omicron variant, the Government of Canada issued an entry prohibition for the following countries: Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Foreign Nationals who have been in these countries for the 14 days will not be permitted entry to Canada.
• People with a right of entry to Canada who have been to these countries in the previous 14 days will be subject to enhanced pre-entry and arrival testing, screening and quarantine measures.
• Regardless of vaccination status, travellers arriving by air from departure points other than the United States will be subject to arrival testing at the airport and will be required to quarantine while they await the test results.
• Travellers who are not fully vaccinated will continue to be tested on arrival and day 8, and be required to quarantine for 14 days, and to stay at a designated quarantine facility if they do not possess a suitable and robust quarantine plan.
• All travellers arriving by air are now required to stay in a designated quarantine facility or other suitable location while they await the result of their on arrival test.

The Government of Canada’s phased approach to easing border measures was developed to meet specific public health criteria and is based on scientific evidence and the public health situation in Canada and around the world.

Pandemic border changes since summer 2021

In August and September 2021, the Government continued to reopen Canada’s borders, allowing fully vaccinated travellers from the U.S. to enter Canada for discretionary purposes on August 9, followed by fully vaccinated discretionary travellers from all other countries on September 7.

The Government also eliminated the requirement to stay in government-authorized accommodation upon arrival.

Before arriving in Canada, travellers have had to:

• electronically submit information related to COVID-19 into ArriveCAN,
• meet the pre- and on-arrival test requirements,
• be asymptomatic, and
• have a suitable quarantine plan.

Final determination regarding exemptions is always made by a government representative at the border based on the information presented at the time of entry into Canada, which is why a quarantine plan is still required. Acceptable supporting proof of vaccination, as outlined below, is also required.

“Fully vaccinated” definition:

• The traveller must have received the full series of a vaccine — or a combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days before entering Canada.
• Accepted vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). As of November 30th, Sinopharm, Sinovac and COVAXIN will also be accepted. This list may continue to expand as evidence becomes available.
• Proof of vaccination must be in English or French (or a certified translation).
• The traveller can receive their vaccine in any country.

Exemptions:

Exemptions are also in place until January 15, 2022, for certain individuals, including essential workers entering for non-discretionary purposes, as well as habitual residents of cross-border communities.

Quarantine and testing:

• Fully vaccinated travellers arriving from countries other than those 10 identified as a concern for Omicron will not have to undertake a full 14 day quarantine or complete a Day-8 test. However, travellers arriving by air from locations other than the US will be required to take a test upon arrival. Those travellers from the US may be subject to mandatory random testing in the 14-day period after arriving.
• Fully vaccinated travellers are still required to have a suitable quarantine plan (and be prepared carry it out) in case it is determined at the border that they don’t meet the necessary requirements.
• At any time after entering Canada, if a fully vaccinated traveller tests positive or is exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, they must follow all local public health requirements, including quarantine or isolation.

Declaring vaccination status:

• All travellers (not just fully vaccinated travellers) are required to electronically disclose their COVID-19 vaccination information, including:
•  whether they received a COVID-19 vaccine,
• its brand name (or any other information that identifies the vaccine that was administered),
• the dates they received the vaccine, and
• the number of doses received.
• This information will help identify “vaccine-escape” variants — variants that make vaccines less effective — when on-arrival tests are analyzed. This information will help shape appropriate public health measures across the country.
• Fully vaccinated travellers who want to be considered for exemption from quarantine and reduced testing requirements will have to provide evidence of their vaccination status by uploading supporting English or French documentation (or a certified translation) into the ArriveCAN app or by signing in online at Canada.ca/ArriveCAN before arriving in Canada.
• Travellers must present a copy (paper or electronic) of their vaccination documentation and originals of any certified translation for verification at the border and retain it for 14 days following their entry to Canada.
• Only travellers whose vaccination status meets the criteria of “fully vaccinated” will be exempt from quarantine if certain conditions are met. 

72-hour trip testing exemption:

Beginning November 30, 2021, fully vaccinated individuals with right of entry to Canada, who depart and re-enter the country within 72 hours of leaving Canada are exempt from taking a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test. This exemption is only for trips originating in Canada that are taken by fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents or individuals registered under the  Indian Act , who depart and re-enter by land or by air.

The exemption will also apply to:

• people with medical contraindications as defined in the Orders in Council (OIC); and
• unvaccinated children under 12 who are accompanying their parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor. The accompanying adult must be fully vaccinated (or have a contraindication) and have the right of entry into Canada.

For fully vaccinated travellers with the right of entry into Canada who are travelling by air, the 72-hour period runs from the initially scheduled departure time for their flight leaving Canada to the scheduled departure time for their return flight to Canada. Travellers will be responsible for maintaining proof of the 72-hour period to show airline/rail companies and border officials as required (such as a boarding pass or travel itinerary).

Accepted vaccines:

Also on November 30, 2021, the Government of Canada will expand its list of accepted vaccines needed to enter Canada and exemption criteria from some testing and quarantine requirements. The list will include Sinopharm, Sinovac and COVAXIN, matching the World Health Organization ‘s (WHO) Emergency Use Listing (EUL).

Changes scheduled for Jan 15, 2022:

As of January 15, 2022, certain groups of travellers, who are currently exempt from entry requirements, will only be allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada. These groups include:

• Individuals travelling to reunite with family (unless they are under 18 years of age if travelling to reunite with an immediate or extended family member who is either fully vaccinated or a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the  Indian Act .)
• International students (18 years of age and over)
• Fully vaccinated students will be allowed to attend any provincially or territorially designated learning institution in Canada.
• Unvaccinated students under the age of 18 must attend a designated learning institution with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the province or territory where the school is located.
• Professional athletes and their support staff, and amateur athletes.
• Individuals with a valid work permit, including temporary foreign workers, outside of agricultural and food processing.
• Most essential service providers (including truck drivers, emergency service providers and marine researchers).

Omicron measures:

On November 26, the Government of Canada announced additional measures in response to the emergence of the Omicron variant in southern Africa, including prohibition on travel from certain countries. On November 30, that list was expanded. Foreign nationals who have travelled to any of these countries in the previous 14 days will not be allowed entry to Canada. The full list of prohibited countries is:

• Mozambique;
• South Africa; and

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people with status under the  Indian Act,  regardless of their vaccination status or having had a previous history of testing positive for COVID-19, who have been in any of these 10 countries in the previous 14 days, will be subject to enhanced pre-entry and arrival testing, screening, and quarantine measures.

Unvaccinated travellers, with right of entry to Canada, will continue to be tested on arrival and day 8 and quarantine for 14 days. However, those arriving by air will now be required to stay in a designated quarantine facility or other suitable location while they await the result of their on arrival test.

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Canada eased its travel rules again. What to know, and how to guard against COVID

If you get Global News from Instagram or Facebook - that will be changing. Find out how you can still connect with us .

This article is more than 2 years old and some information may not be up to date.

Canada’s border rules are changing again as the country enters a warming spring season with restrictions easing across the nation.

On Monday,  Ottawa lifted several measures related to travel with many Canadians seeking trips abroad for potentially the first time since the COVID-19  pandemic began in early 2020.

Here’s what you need to know.

What’s changing, and why?

As of 12:01 a.m. ET, unvaccinated and partially vaccinated kids ages five to 11 accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor no longer need to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test to enter Canada.

However, pre-entry tests are required for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers ages 12 and older who are currently eligible to travel to Canada, Ottawa said on Friday . Children under five years of age are not required to provide COVID-19 test results.

Earlier this year, Ottawa decided to scrap pre-arrival testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers . Now, fully vaccinated travellers and children five to 11 are also no longer required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry.

In addition, the federal government will no longer require fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada to wear masks in public spaces, monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms, quarantine if another traveller in the same travel group shows signs or symptoms or tests positive, and maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.

All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must continue to wear a mask throughout their entire travel journey, the government added.

Travellers are still required to use the ArriveCAN app to upload travel and vaccination information within 72 hours of their arrival to Canada and/or before boarding a plane or cruise ship destined for the country. Fully vaccinated travellers who do not submit their information to ArriveCAN won’t be eligible for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption.

Canada is further easing its travel rules at a time where COVID-19 cases are circulating in various parts of the country  in a sixth wave .

Driven by Omicron’s BA.2 variant, the sixth wave has seen high spikes of infections over recent weeks, but some areas are  suggesting peaks in transmission .

“The health and safety of Canadians remains our top priority and as vaccination levels and healthcare system capacity improve, we will continue to consider further easing of measures at the borders based on science,” said Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos in a Friday news release.

What could easing travel rules mean for Canada’s COVID-19 pandemic?

With the BA.2 variant spreading across communities in Canada, it’s unlikely that eased restrictions at the border will make a dent in overall infections, said Dr. Katharine Smart, president of the Canadian Medical Association.

On Friday, the government said COVID-19 has “continued widespread activity” across Canada, but even as early signs emerge of a peak in some areas, it is still too early to tell if infections will begin to decline.

The government is “likely realizing with just the epidemiology of where we’re at that COVID right now is everywhere,” Smart said.

“As we move forward in this pandemic, we’re going to have to figure out where our resources are best utilized,” she added.

“The evidence is showing intense measures at the border are probably not having any real significant impact in terms of the spread of COVID across the country.”

With restrictions and mandates dropped, COVID-19 will have more opportunities to spread with widespread protections eased, said Cynthia Carr, an epidemiologist with EPI Research.

Therefor, Canadians need to take precautions to protect themselves, even on their trips, Carr told Global News recently .

“Understand what the situation is in both the area and the health system,” Carr said.

“When you travel, anything can happen, and you might need to use the health system.”

Governments must continue to push vaccination, especially third doses, Smart added. Roughly 47 per cent of the entire population is inoculated with a third dose — compared to 81 per cent of the entire population that has two shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“It’s getting more and more challenging for people to avoid exposure (now),” Smart said.

How Canadians can stay safe as restrictions ease?

When the highly transmissible Omicron variant emerged in late November, Canadians across the country saw a reintroduction of protective measures imposed to curb the spread.

But earlier this year, several jurisdictions unveiled plans to lift those measures depending on how their situations improved, and have acted on them since.

In Ontario, the government eased protective measures such as capacity limits and loosened gathering sizes. It also dropped its mask mandate in a majority of settings, but is keeping them in place for high-risk settings like public transit until June 11 .

On the opposite end of Canada in British Columbia, the government also removed its mask mandate in March ; Nova Scotia also scrapped its mask mandate in most settings, but is electing to keep them in schools until May .

Canadians can still choose to wear masks if they want — and should consider it, said Dr. Matthew Miller, associate professor of biochemistry and biomedical sciences at McMaster University.

“If you’re going to be inside in large gatherings, especially when case rates remain high, it still is absolutely essential to wear high-quality masks,” he told Global News.

“If masks were important during those earlier waves, they’re certainly still important now, especially in the face of variants that are increasingly transmissible.”

Smart echoed Miller’s comments on the need for masks, but said that while protective measures are being eased, it shouldn’t mean Canadians wanting to access protections for themselves should have a hard time doing so.

She cited the need for better access to Paxlovid, Pfizer’s COVID-19 therapeutic drug. Most provinces have a centralized distribution system for it, often through hospitals and assessment centres, and eligibility varies across Canada.

“( Paxlovid is) incredibly impactful in terms of keeping high-risk people out of hospital, and then keeping the public health messaging up around cleaning the air, good ventilation and mask-wearing: these are the strategies that are going to help protect people at this point in time,” Smart said.

— with files from Marney Blunt and The Canadian Press

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Canada's COVID-19 travel restrictions: What changed on June 20 and what stays in place

Amid mounting pressure on the Canadian government to address long delays and wait times at airports, federal ministers have announced further easing of some COVID-19 travel restrictions.

But while the feds are lifting vaccine requirements for some travellers, other health measures at the border remain in place. Here's a guide to the current COVID-19 rules around travel as well as what's changing.

VACCINE MANDATES

As of June 20 , domestic and international outbound travellers no longer have to provide proof of vaccination when travelling within and to Canada by plane or train. However, vaccination against COVID-19 is still required for passengers and crew members on cruise ships.

• Newsletter sign-up: Get The COVID-19 Brief sent to your inbox

Foreign nationals coming to Canada are still required to be vaccinated unless they meet one of the criteria for exemption.

If you're travelling internationally, be sure to check the COVID-19 travel rules for your destination. While Transport Canada has lifted its vaccine mandate, countries including the United States and Australia still require foreign tourists to present proof of vaccination.

TESTING, QUARANTINING FOR UNVACCINATED TRAVELLERS

Unvaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents returning to Canada are still subject to quarantine and testing requirements.

If you're an unvaccinated traveller returning to Canada, you're required to provide proof of a negative molecular test, such as a PCR test taken within 72 hours of your scheduled flight or land entry into Canada. Unvaccinated travellers can also show proof of a negative antigen test taken the previous day, but the test has to be either administered or observed by a pharmacy, lab, health-care entity or telehealth service.

Unvaccinated travellers will also be subject to a COVID-19 test on arrival. The test may be done on-site at an airport or travellers may be given a test kit to complete at home.

Upon arrival, unvaccinated travellers must also quarantine for 14 days and take another COVID-19 test on day 8 of quarantine.

RANDOM COVID-19 TESTING

Transport Canada has temporarily suspended mandatory random COVID-19 testing for incoming international travellers at airports until June 30.

Unvaccinated travellers are still subject to on-site arrival testing. But starting July 1, all testing, including for unvaccinated travellers, will be performed off-site.

While the U.S. dropped the in-flight mask mandate in April, face masks are still mandatory aboard all flights and interprovincial trains in Canada.

ARRIVECAN APP

The Canadian government will continue to require inbound travellers to enter their health information, quarantine plan and proof of vaccination through the ArriveCAN app . Using the app is mandatory, regardless of citizenship, and it must be completed within 72 hours of your scheduled flight or arrival at a land border.

If you don't have a smartphone, you can use the web browser version of ArriveCAN to enter your location.

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Where provinces and territories stand on travel restrictions as Omicron concerns rise

Travelling within canada you may face different rules on testing, quarantining depending on your destination.

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The federal government is advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada  as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly worldwide. Incoming travellers are subject to testing and self-isolation requirements  based on their vaccination status.

But when it comes to travel within Canada, the rules vary. Individual provinces and territories may have their own set of restrictions and quarantine rules that people must follow in addition to federal guidelines.

For people travelling by plane or train between jurisdictions, a federal policy currently requires everyone 12 and up to show proof of vaccination to board domestic or international flights departing from most airports in Canada, as well as VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains.

Here's a look at some of the other rules travellers may face depending on the province or territory they are entering.

(There may be additional or separate rules for travellers coming from outside of Canada or children under the age of 12; check each jurisdiction's website for details.)

Newfoundland and Labrador

Nearly everyone 12 and up entering Newfoundland and Labrador must submit this travel form within 30 days of their expected travel date, with  limited exemptions .

If a traveller is fully vaccinated:

Starting Dec. 21, incoming travellers  must self-isolate for five days upon arrival and take a rapid COVID-19 test every day for five days, after which point they can leave isolation if all results are negative. 

Rotational workers can follow modified self-isolation for those five days but must also book a PCR test between Days 0-3. Anyone who has visited a post-secondary institution outside the province in the past 14 days must also take a PCR test within their first days of arrival.

If a traveller is not fully vaccinated:

Travellers must self-isolate until they receive the negative results from a PCR test taken on Day 7 or later, or self-isolate for 14 days if they choose not to be tested. 

They must avoid vulnerable people and are barred from visiting long-term care facilities, sporting events and large crowded settings in the first 14 days after they arrive.

On Dec. 17, the province banned any travel around the province for sporting events, recreation and arts events , though teams can continue to play within their own region.

Challenges with COVID-19 testing access affects accuracy of case counts

Prince edward island.

As of Dec. 22, all travellers coming onto the Island will be required to self-isolate .

Fully vaccinated: 

• They are required to self-isolate for four days.
• They will receive rapid antigen screening tests from the government, according to a news release , and must test negative using those tests on Day 2 and Day 4 of their isolation.
• They are asked not to host or attend New Year's Eve parties or staff parties while in the province.

Not fully vaccinated:

• They must isolate for eight days and receive negative results from two rapid tests, taken when they arrive in the province and on Day 8 of their isolation.
• They must also submit a self-isolation declaration form, which can be found here .

P.E.I. announced on Dec. 14 it is banning travel to or from the province for participation in organized recreational events , including sports, arts and culture-related gatherings. The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Maritime Junior Hockey League are exempt.

Nova Scotia

Nearly everyone ages 12 and up must complete this safe check-in form before entering Nova Scotia from another province or territory. This includes people who are fully vaccinated.

Those who don't need to complete the form (full list of exemptions here ) include travellers who are following the COVID-19 Protocol for Atlantic Canada Travel . This guidance applies to people who travel between Nova Scotia and another Atlantic province regularly or for certain reasons.

Fully vaccinated:

Travellers are not required to self-isolate, though testing is recommended.

Travellers may need to self-isolate for seven days, at which point they can leave self-isolation 1) if they receive two negative test results or 2) without getting tested if they have official documentation showing they recently recovered from COVID-19. 

Certain travellers who are not fully vaccinated, such as some essential workers, are exempt from the self-isolation requirement but may need to follow a separate protocol .

On Dec. 1, Nova Scotia announced new rules for children 11 and under that prohibit travelling into or out of the province to participate in arts or sports games, competitions and tournaments.

New Brunswick

All travellers ages 12 and up must pre-register online here and provide proof of vaccination (or proof of medical exemption), with some exceptions .

Travellers are not required to self-isolate and can apply for a multi-use pass.

Travellers must self-isolate for 14 days or until they obtain a negative test result on Day 10 or later. They will be required to register for each trip into the province.

Travellers who have proof of a medical exemption don't need to self-isolate and can apply for a multi-use pass.

Travellers arriving from another province or territory don't need to self-isolate, but the province says non-essential travel should be avoided .

Travel to the territories of Nunavik and the Cree Territory of James Bay is restricted to essential reasons (humanitarian, for work or to obtain health care). Those entering the regions are subject to conditions including a 14-day quarantine.

Travellers arriving from another province or territory don't need to self-isolate  unless they have COVID-19 symptoms.

In Thunder Bay, officials are asking residents to avoid all non-essential travel outside the region regardless of vaccination status.

‘Rules are changing all the time:’ Advice for travellers in the era of omicron

Travellers are not required to self-isolate . However, they are strongly advised to get a COVID-19 test on Day 1 of arrival, and again on Day 10.

With some exceptions , travellers must self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of test results or whether they are showing symptoms.

Manitoba also has a public health order in place restricting travel to northern Manitoba and remote communities.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan's website does not list any province-specific travel restrictions, but notes travellers returning from an out-of-province trip do not have to self-isolate .

However, passengers who travelled on flights with confirmed cases of COVID-19 are asked to self‑monitor for symptoms for 14 days after their arrival.

As with other provinces and territories, travellers in Alberta must follow federal requirements for travel within Canada .

Canada warns against non-essential travel abroad as Omicron spreads

British columbia.

As with other provinces and territories, travellers in British Columbia must follow federal requirements for travel within Canada .

That means proof of vaccination is required for those ages 12 and up on plane, train and cruise ships. However, BC Ferries does not require proof of vaccination.

While there are no restrictions barring entry into Yukon , the territory's health officials recommend avoiding travel between communities until further notice.

Some First Nations governments and communities may have additional travel advisories in place, which can be found  here .

Northwest Territories

Non-residents are currently not allowed to enter the territory for leisure travel unless they are travelling to a remote tourist location. Certain other non-residents may qualify for an exemption . 

All residents entering the territory, regardless of vaccination status, must submit a Self-Isolation Plan (SIP) .

On Dec. 17, the territory loosened isolation requirements for some travellers while introducing some new testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers.

Travellers are not required to self-isolate once they have an approved SIP.

Those travelling into small communities (as defined here ) or who either work or volunteer with vulnerable populations must take a Day 0 or 1 test, followed by a Day 8 test.

Travellers must self-isolate for 10 days but can end self-isolation early on Day 8 if they obtain a negative test taken by a health-care provider.

Those travelling into small communities must complete their self-isolation in a larger centre.

All travellers who depart or connect through Iqaluit airport (including people who travel from Iqaluit to another Nunavut community) must meet the federal travel requirements for vaccination and testing. 

While Ottawa has barred unvaccinated travellers over the age of 12 from boarding a plane or train in Canada, it is accepting a valid COVID-19 molecular test as an alternative for passengers from remote communities and in other limited situations .

The federal requirements don't apply to travellers flying between Nunavut communities who do not transit through the Iqaluit airport.

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Canada’s response to international travel during COVID-19 pandemic – a media analysis

K. srikanth reddy.

1 Bruyere Research Institute, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1 Canada

2 WHO Collaborating Centre for Knowledge Translational and Health Technology Assessment for Health Equity, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1 Canada

Salima S. Mithani

3 Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9 Canada

Lindsay Wilson

Kumanan wilson.

4 Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5 Canada

Associated Data

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the three Canadian newspapers ((i.e., The Globe and Mail, The National Post and The Toronto Star) and available in the public domain.

The media play a critical role in informing the public about the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, international travel has been a highly contested subject at both the international and national levels. We examined Canadian media reporting on international travel restrictions during the pandemic, how these restrictions aligned with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), and how the narrative around international travel evolved over time.

We analysed articles from Canada’s top three national newspapers by circulation – The Globe and Mail, The National Post and The Toronto Star - published between Jan 1, 2020 - May 31, 2020. Our search yielded a total of 378 articles across the three newspapers. After removing duplicates and screening the remaining articles, we included a total of 62 articles for the analysis. We conducted a qualitative media content analysis by using an inductive coding approach.

Three major themes were identified within the articles. These included: 1) The role of scientific and expert evidence in implementing travel restrictions; 2) Federal legislation, regulation and enforcement of international travel measures; and 3) Compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in travel restriction policy- and decision-making. The federal government relied primarily on scientific evidence for implementing international travel restrictions and fully exercised its powers under the Quarantine Act to enforce travel regulations and comply with the IHR 2005. The government embraced a rules-based international order by following WHO recommendations on international travel, contributing to a delay in border closure and travel restrictions until mid-March.

The media focussed significantly on international travel-related issues during the early phase of the pandemic. The dominant media narrative surrounded the need for earlier travel restrictions against international travel.

Introduction

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) [ 1 ] and raised the risk assessment for the COVID-19 outbreak from ‘high’ to ‘very high’ [ 2 ]. The outbreak was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020 [ 3 ].

In order to prevent COVID-19 from spreading within their borders, many WHO member states imposed partial or complete border closures. The International Organisation for Migration reports that by March 23, 2020, 174 countries, territories, and areas around the world had coronavirus-related travel restrictions in place [ 4 ], impacting at least 7.3 billion people (i.e., 93% of the global population) [ 5 ]. Annex 1B of the 2005 revision of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) provides guidelines around measures that can be taken during a PHEIC, including quarantining travellers. However, these measures should not include unwarranted travel and trade restrictions that may harm the economies of countries that report health threats. As such, some scholars argue that by indiscriminately closing borders as part of their pandemic response, member states violated the IHR 2005 [ 6 ], while others posit that it was a necessary part of infection prevention measures [ 7 , 8 ].

The media played a critical role in informing the public about the pandemic and shaping national policy responses to the pandemic in multiple countries [ 9 – 11 ]. Evidence suggests that media research studies catalyse policy action and social change for health and well-being [ 12 ]. Previous media research studies have predicted influenza disease outbreaks [ 13 ], shaped policy action regulating menthol cigarette smoking [ 14 ], and helped to establish public health measures against COVID-19 [ 9 – 11 ]. This paper uses a media content analysis to examine reporting on international travel restrictions in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, how these restrictions aligned with the IHR 2005, and how the narrative around international travel evolved over the course of the pandemic.

Data collection

For this paper, we conducted a media analysis of Canada’s response to international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. All articles published between January 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020 in Canada’s top three national newspapers by circulation (i.e., The Globe and Mail, The National Post and The Toronto Star) were screened for content. The Canadian Major Dailies - ProQuest database was used to identify newspaper articles that fit these criteria. This database provides access to more than 20 of Canada’s top national and regional newspapers in full-text format [ 15 ]. It also provides full-text versions of other document types including news articles, commentaries, correspondence, editorials, essays, letter to the editor, speeches, and government documents.

Inclusion criteria

Four types of newspaper text formats were included in our analysis – news articles, editorials, commentaries and interviews. The federal travel rules and regulations reported in the newspapers were triangulated with the publications of federal departments and agencies such as Global Affairs Canada, Transport Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). We included content published between January 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020 using the key search term “COVID-19 AND International Travel”. Multiple keywords were initially used to search for articles, including “coronavirus AND travel”, “coronavirus AND international travel”, and “COVID-19 AND travel AND coronavirus” giving us between 2000 to 3000 search results each. To keep the search contained, we used “COVID-19 AND International Travel” as our only search terms. Only articles published in English were included.

Data preparation and analysis

We developed a data extraction form to document data obtained from the articles. Two reviewers manually extracted content independently and in duplicate. We conducted a qualitative media content analysis [ 16 ] using an inductive coding approach wherein emergent themes were identified and extracted from the articles [ 17 – 20 ]. The analysis focused on federal and provincial governments’ guidelines and policies on international travel and changes in their position over time. The tone of the media articles (i.e., positive, neutral, or critical) was also identified based on our qualitative assessment of each article’s narrative. We also indicated whether the articles made reference to scientific and/or expert advice regarding international travel. Due to the evolving nature of the discourse around international travel, the extraction form and coding framework were modified as needed to capture emergent themes through a collaborative and iterative process. Two reviewers (KSR and SSM) were involved in the document identification, review, data extraction, and analysis. The titles and full text of the articles were screened independently by the two reviewers. Any disagreements in full-text selection and data extraction were resolved by consensus. To reach intersubjectivity in qualitative coding, the two reviewers independently developed code lists and merged them into one final coding list with common codes for data analysis. The inter-rater reliability for document screening and selection was tested using Cohen’s kappa co-efficient (κ) scale.

Our search yielded a total of 378 articles across the three newspapers. After removing duplicates ( n  = 55), the remaining 323 articles were screened based on our inclusion criteria. A final total of 62 articles were included for analysis. Reasons for exclusion are shown in Fig.  1 . Inter-rater reliability testing revealed strong agreement between the two independent reviewers (κ = 0.830).

Flow chart for screening process

The highest number of articles came from The Globe and Mail ( n  = 24, 39%), followed by The Toronto Star ( n  = 19, 31%) and The National Post ( n  = 17, 27%). The majority of articles struck a neutral tone ( n  = 41, 66%) (Fig.  2 )

Overall media tone

The tone within each newspaper was generally neutral, but the largest proportion of negative articles appeared in the National Post , where 6 of 17 articles were negative (35%). A detailed breakdown of the tone within each newspaper is presented in Fig.  3 .

Media tone by newspaper

Thematic analysis

Three major themes were identified within the articles. These included: 1) The role of scientific and expert evidence in implementing travel restrictions; 2) Federal legislation, regulation and enforcement of international travel measures; and 3) Compliance with WHO guidelines in travel restriction policy- and decision-making.

The role of scientific and expert evidence in implementing travel restrictions

Despite measures taken to restrict international travel as early as January, the media criticized the Canadian response as inadequate and slow. The federal government justified their decisions not to implement harsher border restrictions by citing scientific evidence:

“ [W]e are not closing the border to any further steps, but we will make those decisions based on what science tells us” – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau [ 21 ].

“ I think Canadians think that we can stop this at the border, but what we see is a global pandemic meaning that border measures actually are highly ineffective and in some cases can create harm” – Health Minister Patty Hajdu [ 21 ].

Similarly, articles cited Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore as examples of countries that had demonstrated adequate preparedness and response; these were regions that quickly implemented widespread thermal testing and travel restrictions [ 22 , 23 ]. By contrast, the media reported that the Canadian government deemed thermal testing of returning travellers unnecessary, citing a lack of scientific evidence in favour of the practice. Specifically, during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003, 2.3 million travellers were screened using thermal tests at Canadian airports, but these tests were later found to be ineffective in detecting SARS cases [ 24 , 25 ]. Until March 10, the federal government continued to assert to the House of Commons Health Committee that the pandemic presented a low risk to Canadians [ 26 ]. It was not until March 18 that Canada closed its borders to most international travellers [ 27 ].

Despite the federal government’s stance, articles described actions implemented at the provincial level that did not align with federal action, including mass testing, screening of international travellers, stricter enforcement of quarantine orders, and recommendations for the use of masks [ 24 , 26 , 28 – 30 ]. Other articles reported that the provincial leaders of Alberta, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island saw value in the travel restrictions implemented by other countries, including closing international borders [ 28 , 31 ].

Media scrutiny of federal legislation, regulation and enforcement of international travel measures

On March 25, 2020, the federal government announced an emergency order under the Quarantine Act, 2005, which permits the screening of travellers entering Canada. Under the emergency order, any person entering Canada was required to self-isolate for 14 days regardless of whether or not they had symptoms of COVID-19 [ 32 ]. However, the media reported that provincial and federal travel screening measures and self-isolation guidelines were difficult to understand and inconsistent across jurisdictions [ 28 , 30 ]. In particular, the media noted that self-isolation for healthcare workers varied by province and over time [ 30 ]. Restrictions were also implemented for travel between provinces, raising concerns over “mobility rights” outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador upheld the provincial order barring an individual from entering the province and emphasised that the province’s travel restrictions were consistent with the Constitution in the interest of public health and contained the pandemic’s spread [ 33 ]. By early April, at least eight provinces and territories had some sort of border check points in place, but the content of these restrictions varied by jurisdiction (Table  1 ).

Entry and exit control for inter-provincial movement

Further federal regulation was enacted on April 14, 2020 when regulatory amendments under the Contraventions Act came into force. These changes provided increased flexibility for law enforcement agencies to issue fines to individuals in violation of the Quarantine Act [ 34 ]. These actions received mixed coverage from the media, with some articles calling for the use of the Emergencies Act to restrict movement within the country as well as upon return from international travel [ 35 ]. Others, however, argued that such sweeping measures would restrict the liberty of those infected with COVID-19 [ 36 ].

Some articles also criticized the federal government for adopting a preferential approach to the United States (US) when closing the borders to other countries [ 37 ]. Despite the fact that provincial data from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia showed that many of Canada’s early COVID-19 cases came from the US [ 37 ], the federal government was slower to implement travel restrictions against the US compared to the action taken against other countries.

When it came to enforcing travel measures, the role of the CBSA – the federal law enforcement agency responsible for border control, immigration, and customs services in Canada – was closely scrutinized by the media. Despite the CBSA reporting that its officers were well-trained to identify visible signs of illness and to ask screening questions about possible symptoms, CBSA was criticized for inadequate screening measures and a lack of transparency regarding screening for travel history and passenger nationality [ 38 ]. The media also reported that there were inadequate screening measures in place at Canadian airports and that many health officials were screening passengers for COVID-19 symptoms over the phone, potentially increasing the risk of dishonesty from travellers. The media reported that this practice was attributed to a lack of sufficient personnel to accommodate in-person screening of all passengers [ 25 ].

Compliance with WHO guidelines in travel restriction policy- and decision-making

In the early days of the pandemic, much of the media attention in Canada focused on the WHO’s handling of the pandemic [ 39 , 40 ]. In accordance with the IHR 2005, the WHO recommended against travel or trade restrictions in response to COVID-19. The media reported the federal government’s concerns about the risk of travel restrictions increasing protectionist sentiment among the Canadian population [ 41 ], as well as the government’s confidence in and commitment to WHO guidance, with the Chief Public Health Officer noting that “ we are a signatory to the International Health Regulations and we’ll be called to account if we do anything different” [ 36 ] . This rationale was used to explain a reluctance to close national borders. This stance was often in conflict with the perspectives of provincial premiers, some of whom argued that the federal government’s delays were contributing to the spread of COVID-19 [ 37 ] and resulting in individual provinces implementing their own travel restrictions.

Our media analysis indicates that, despite having a comprehensive plan for meeting the IHR requirements regarding PHEICs at points of entry [ 42 ], Canada’s implementation of international travel restrictions in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic was viewed by the media as inadequate. The federal government relied strongly on WHO’s advice and on scientific evidence for border closure and travel restrictions, despite a previous recommendation issued by the 2003 SARS commission that “ reasonable steps to reduce risk should not await scientific certainty ” [ 39 , 43 ].

Specific media criticisms suggested that earlier action by the federal government may have reduced the number of COVID-19 cases imported into Canada [ 37 ]. Furthermore, the consolidation of provincial data on the sources of new cases may have offered a window of opportunity for the federal government to develop a coordinated response with provincial governments to contain the early spread of COVID-19 in the country. Instead, the federal government’s inaction was viewed as prompting provincial governments to develop their own international and inter-provincial travel restrictions. While critical of federal government’s travel restrictions for international travellers, the media also reported Canada’s distinction as one of the few countries that exempted maritime crews from travel restrictions to facilitate international trade [ 44 ].

The media play an essential role in the science and policy interface by communicating scientific information to the public and policymakers [ 45 ]. One policymaking model specifically describes the media’s role in the policy process as that of a key disseminator of scientific information for health emergencies [ 46 ]. Like the earlier pandemics of SARS (2003), H1N1 (2009), and MERS (2012), the international and Canadian media significantly contributed to the COVID-19 infodemic (i.e., an epidemic of rapidly spreading and far-reaching information about the pandemic) [ 47 – 49 ].

Our media analysis of three Canadian newspapers suggests that in the early days of the pandemic, much of the media attention remain focused on restricting the international travel and quarantine measures for international travellers. Media studies conducted elsewhere reported similar findings [ 9 , 11 , 47 ]. By contrast, a previous analysis by Irwin regarding media coverage of Sweden’s pandemic response suggested that the international media failed to communicate the complexities of science and policy in and instead presented multiple narratives. These narratives included: normalcy of life, herd immunity strategy, expert advice not being considered, non-compliance with WHO recommendations, failing to contain the pandemic within the country, and Swedes’ trust in the government. Irwin argues the importance of fact-checking and source critique and the need for precision when presenting data and statistics while evaluating pandemic policies [ 11 ]. Conversely, the Australian media remained objective in reporting the pandemic and government’s response [ 9 ] by framing the narrative specifically around “action” and “consequence” [ 9 , 50 ], an approach that was effective for earlier outbreaks of Mad Cow Disease, West Nile virus, and Avian Flu [ 50 ].

Our media analysis of three newspapers did not find the same narrative framing used in the case of the Australian media but found some similarities to the narratives presented around Sweden’s pandemic response. Specifically, similarities were noted in Canada’s difficulties containing the pandemic, and Canadian trust in the federal government’s response, while differences were found in Canada’s consideration of expert advice and compliance with WHO’s recommendations for restrictions against international travel. In Canada, both the federal and provincial governments implemented unprecedented public health measures, including international travel restrictions. The studies conducted in Canada found that, through appropriate and best data visualisation strategies, public health experts and governments were able to successfully convince citizens that the public health measures being taken were necessary [ 51 ]. The media also reported Canada’s embrace of a rules-based international order - a shared commitment by all countries to conduct their activities by agreed international norms [ 52 , 53 ] - by complying with the WHO’s advice and with the IHR in delaying international travel restrictions.

Multiple modelling studies conducted around the effectiveness of international travel restrictions for the influenza pandemic and other outbreaks determined that international travel restrictions were of limited benefit in slowing the global spread of pathogens [ 54 – 59 ]. More recent studies have shown similar evidence for the COVID-19 pandemic [ 60 ]. Notwithstanding scientific evidence, implementation of travel regulations appeared to be at least partly political. For example, in Zimbabwe, the government’s decision not to institute travel restrictions against Chinese citizens drew sharp criticism from civil society and the main political opposition party. In Canada, the federal government’s delayed implementation of international travel restrictions until mid-March received criticism from political parties, provincial premiers, civil society, and media alike [ 61 ].

The effectiveness of international travel restrictions such as border closures is not always definitive, but evidence suggests that that the shutdown of international airports and border closures prevented spillover across countries in the early phase of the pandemic [ 62 , 63 ] while countries that delayed closing their border may have had higher infection rates [ 64 ]. Given these potential benefits, there is a need to review and potentially revise current IHR guidelines regarding travel restrictions during PHEICs [ 63 , 65 , 66 ].

Limitations

This study is limited to news articles published between January 1st and May 31st, 2020. The majority of articles captured were published in March and April. The data were limited to newspaper articles from three newspapers and may not be representative of Canadian media as a whole. As only newspapers were used from the database and the article formats were limited to news articles, interviews, editorials, and commentaries, excluding speeches, essays, letters to the editor, government documents, we may have missed information outside of our inclusion criteria. Moreover, the term “coronavirus” was more commonly used than “COVID-19” in those months and non-inclusion of this search term may have eliminated some key information. Furthermore, restricting articles to those published in English language may also serve as a limitation.

As early as January, Canada implemented border screening measures for international travellers, before closing the borders in March. However, our media analysis of Canada’s international travel measures for the COVID-19 pandemic suggests that these measures were viewed as inadequate and occurred too late. By the time Canada imposed travel restrictions in late March, more than 4 million people had already entered the country. Media reporting suggested that the time for Ottawa to act broadly and in the national interest was in January or February, when strong actions in areas of clear federal responsibility could have had greater impact. The media narrative about the pandemic public health measures that were taken should be considered in discussions of national pandemic preparedness and response, as the pandemic is far from over in Canada and elsewhere.

Acknowledgments

Not applicable.

Authors’ contributions

KW conceptualised the idea. KSR and SM involved in media document collection, review, and analysis. KSR wrote the first draft of the article. SM contributed to writing the first draft, KW, LW and SM contributed to revisions. All authors approved the final version.

The research was supported by a grant to KW from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Canadian 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Rapid Research, grant number NFRF- 2019-00013).

Availability of data and materials

Declarations.

KW has acted as a consultant for the WHO on two occasions. KSR, SM and LW declare no conflict of interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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U.S. Embassy Ottawa

490 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8 Canada Telephone:  +1 (613) 688-5335 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (613) 238-5335 Fax:  +1 (613) 688-3082 Email:   [email protected]

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U.S. Consulate General Montreal

1134 Rue Ste- Catherine West Montréal, Quebec H3B 1H4 Canada Telephone:  +1 (514) 398-9695 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (416) 645-9124 Fax:  +1 (514) 398-9748 Email:  [email protected]

The Montreal consular district includes Greater Montreal and the regions of Southern Quebec Province (Laurentides, Lanaudiere, Laval, Montreal, Montregie, Estrie, and the southern parts of Centre-du-Quebec), including Joliete, Drummondville, and Sherbrooke.

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360 University Ave Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S4 Canada Telephone:  +1 (416) 595-1700 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (416) 201-4056 Fax:  +1 (416) 595-5466 Email:  [email protected]

The consular district includes the province of Ontario except for the counties of Kingston, Lanark, Leeds, Prescott, Refrew, Russell, and Stormont, which are served by the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa.

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1075 West Pender Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2M6 Canada Telephone:  +1 (604) 685-4311 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (604) 685-4311 Fax:  +1 (604) 685-7175 Email:  [email protected]

The consular district includes British Columbia and the Yukon Territory.

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Purdy's Wharf Tower II 1969 Upper Water Street, Suite 904 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3R7 Canada Telephone:  +1 (902) 429-2480 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (902) 429-2480, Press 1 Email:  [email protected]

The Halifax consular district includes New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the French islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

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201 Portage Avenue, Suite 860 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 3K6 Canada Telephone:  +1 (204) 940-1800 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (403) 266-8962 and press "0" for assistance (Consulate General Calgary) Fax:  +1 (204) 940-1809

The Consulate in Winnipeg provides only emergency services for U.S. citizens. Routine services such as visas, passports and notarials are handled at other U.S. Consulates General, primarily Calgary.

U.S. Consulate General Quebec  2, rue de la Terrasse Dufferin (Vieux Quebec, behind Chateau Frontenac) Quebec, Quebec G1R 4T9 Canada Telephone:  +1 (418) 692-2095 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (418) 692-2096 Fax:  +1 (418) 692-4640 Email:   [email protected]

The consular district includes Quebec City and those regions of Quebec Province to the North and East of the Montreal and Ottawa Districts (indicated above) – to include the area around Saguenay/Lac Saint-Jean, Rimouski and the Gaspé Peninsula – as well as the Territory of Nunavut.

U.S. Consulate General Calgary  615 Macleod Trail S.E., 10th Floor Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8 Canada Telephone:  +1 (403) 266-8962 Fax:  +1 (403) 264-6630 Email:   [email protected] The consular district includes Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories, excluding Nunavut.

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

For tourist visits to Canada of less than 180 days, U.S. citizens do not need visas. Other types of travel generally require visas. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for current information.

If you have a criminal record, you may be unable to enter Canada. To determine whether you are criminally inadmissible and get information about how to overcome this finding, refer to the  IRCC website .  Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials determine if you can enter Canada in accordance with Canadian law.  

Travel Programs:  Both the U.S. and Canadian governments urge frequent travelers to join the  NEXUS trusted traveler program .

Entry into Canada:  Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.

Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

Entry into the United States:  When traveling by air from Canada, U.S. citizens must present a U.S. passport book or other approved identification document. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website provides a full list of allowable documents.

Travel with Minors:  If you plan to travel to Canada with a minor for whom you do not have full legal custody, CBSA may require a letter of authorization from the minor’s parents or legal guardian(s). Please refer to the  CBSA website  for more details.

Private Boaters Entering Canada:  Canadian law requires all foreign private boaters, including recreational vessels, to present themselves upon their arrival in Canada to the CBSA. See the  CBSA website  for relevant reporting requirements.

Private Boaters Exiting Canada: Boaters may report their arrival to the United States or apply for a registered boater program using the CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (CBP ROAM) app. Please visit the  CBP ROAM webpage for more information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Canada. For information on restrictions for HIV positive foreign residents of Canada visit the IRCC website .

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

911 is the emergency telephone number in Canada.

Crime: Although Canada generally has a lower crime rate than the United States, violent crimes occur throughout the country, especially in urban areas. Criminals may target parked cars, especially in large cities and popular tourist destination, for opportunistic smash-and-grab thefts. Do not leave unattended possessions in a vehicle, even in the trunk. Some jurisdictions such as Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver may fine you for leaving your car doors unlocked or for leaving valuables in view. Pickpockets may target you, especially in popular tourist areas. Exercise caution. Safeguard yourself and your property.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

While there is a very small likelihood of violence at a political gathering in Canada, we strongly encourage U.S. citizens to avoid all protests and demonstrations and maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.  Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +1(613) 688-5335. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

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Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulates for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. 

Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. If you are considering travel outside of populated areas, particularly in the northern Arctic territories, you need to know that search and rescue capabilities are limited because of extreme isolation and the harsh climate. You must be prepared for significant delays in receiving emergency assistance in these areas and plan accordingly.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .  

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Controlled Substances:  Canadian law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. Canada has legalized the personal consumption of recreational cannabis, but Canadian law prohibits taking cannabis across Canada’s national borders . Drug smugglers risk substantial fines, a permanent bar from Canada, and imprisonment.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

Firearms : Canada controls firearms more strictly than the United States. Violation of firearms restrictions may result in prosecution and imprisonment.

Visitors bringing any firearms or ammunition into Canada must declare the firearms in writing using a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. If you plan to borrow and use a firearm in Canada, you must obtain a Temporary Firearms Borrowing License in advance. You must present these forms in triplicate and sign them in front of a CBSA officer at the border. (It is not possible to make photocopies at the border). Full details and downloadable forms are available at the Canadian Firearms Program website .

Canadian law requires officials to confiscate firearms, ammunition, and other weapons from persons crossing the border who do not declare having the items in their possession. Officials will not return confiscated firearms, ammunition, and weapons and possession of any of these items may result in your arrest and imprisonment. You should inspect all belongings thoroughly before traveling to Canada to avoid the accidentally importing firearms, ammunition, or other weapons.

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Canada. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Pornography: Canada has strict laws concerning child pornography, and in recent years there has been an increase in random checks of electronic media of travelers entering Canada.

Canadian officials may search your computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices without a warrant at the border and illegal content can result in the seizure of the device as well as detention, arrest, and prosecution of the bearer.

Tax Issues:  For information on U.S. Federal tax issues, please refer to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website for international taxpayers .

• Refer to this link for reporting requirements regarding Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) .
• Refer to this link for information on the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) .
• Refer to this link for information about the Voluntary Disclosure Practice .

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Canada prohibitsdiscrimination against persons with physical or mental disabilities and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. For more information, visit the Accessibility Standards Canada website .

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Canada, dial 911 . Ambulance services are widely available.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with Health Canada to ensure the medication is legal in Canada.

Healthcare in Canada : The level of public health and sanitation in Canada is high. Adequate health facilities are available throughout Canada.  Canada’s medical care is of a high standard but is government controlled. Access to ongoing medical care is difficult for temporary visitors who are not members of a Canadian province’s government-run health care plan. Many physicians will not take new patients. Specialist care is only by referral and may take months to obtain. Although trauma-care is on par with that in the United States, emergency room waits for non-life threatening problems can be very long. Some health care professionals in the Quebec may only speak French.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all CDC-recommended vaccinations .

Further health information:

World Health Organization U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Air Quality:  Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery: We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals:  U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:  If you are considering traveling to Canada to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  As in the United States, all emergency assistance in Canada can be reached by dialing 911.

For detailed information on road conditions throughout Canada, as well as links to provincial government websites, please see the Transport Canada website or the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) website. The CAA honors American Automobile Association memberships. Automobile warranties of vehicles purchased in the United States may not be valid in Canada.

Winter travel can be dangerous due to heavy snowfalls and hazardous icy conditions. Some provinces require snow tires. CAA has tips for winter driving . Both winter conditions and wildfires may prompt the sudden closure of highways. Provincial ministries of transport typically post closures and other alerts about road conditions on their websites.

Traffic Laws:  Driving in Canada is similar to driving in many parts of the United States. Distances and speeds, however, are posted in kilometers per hour and some signs, particularly in Québec, may only be in French. U.S. driver’s licenses are valid for visitors in Canada. Proof of auto insurance is required. U.S. auto insurance is accepted  for tourists in Canada. For specific information concerning Canadian driving permits, mandatory insurance, and entry regulations, please contact the Canadian National Tourist Organization .

Some provinces require drivers to keep their vehicles’ headlights on during the day and some have banned driving while using a hand-held cell phone. Motorcycles cannot share a lane, and safety helmets for motorcycle riders and passengers are mandatory.

It is illegal to take automobile radar detectors into Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, the Yukon, or the Northwest Territories, regardless of whether they are used. Police may confiscate radar detectors and impose substantial fines.

Drivers approaching border crossings into the United States may encounter traffic backups. Drivers should be alert, as lane restrictions at border approaches exist for drivers in NEXUS and FAST expedited inspection programs.

Public Transportation: Public transportation options vary across Canada, but all cities and most major towns have a public transit system .

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Canada’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Canada’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Canada should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Canada .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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‘Trying not to die’: Tourism operators face heavy debt, even as business roars back

Maureen Gordon has weathered hard times before.

She and her husband began running ecotourism outfit Maple Leaf Adventures out of Vancouver about a month before the 9/11 terrorist attacks devastated international travel in 2001.

The rebound was relatively quick. Fallout from COVID-19 has proven much more prolonged.

“The pandemic of course was incredibly tumultuous and scary, as it was, I think, for most tour businesses in Canada,” said Gordon, who runs week-long sojourns on a schooner, converted tug boat and catamaran along the Pacific coast.

“It was a really traumatic time. We couldn’t operate at all through various government shutdowns,” she recalled. “We were scared, our bank was scared.”

While 2022 was “incredible,” as Canadians looking to expend pent-up energy surged back to domestic travel, 2023 saw a “hiccup” amid rising interest rates that dampened some sojourners’ spirits.

“Although the tourism industry — in terms of interest in travel and booking — is recovering, the businesses are really hurting,” Gordon said. “I think all of us are carrying the highest debt loads we’ve ever had. Certainly we are.

“We crossed the ocean out of our wrecked boat, and now ... we’re all just trying not to die on the beach.”

Tourism has come roaring back from pandemic lows, but operators say the sector has yet to reach pre-COVID levels and debt remains a hefty burden for thousands of small businesses across the country.

International visitor numbers remained down from four years earlier, with tourists from the U.S. at 85 per cent of 2019 levels and those from further afield at 78 per cent, according to Crown corporation Destination Canada.

The industry brought in more than $109 billion in revenue last year, about four per cent more than in 2019 but significantly less in real terms after accounting for inflation, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.

Beth Potter, who heads the association, has called on the federal government to create a new low-interest loan program and temporary foreign worker stream, both specific to the tourism industry.

“We have not had any kind of indication that we’re going to see these,” she noted. In fact, the government aims to reduce temporary residents’ share of Canada’s population over the next three years.

The impact won’t be “as extreme” in tourism as in agriculture or food processing, she said. But it will hit ski resorts as well as tourism-dependent areas such as Northern Canada and Niagara Falls, Ont. 

Travel, hospitality and recreation offerings are effectively a perishable commodity, which means it’s especially hard to make back lost earnings.

“If you don't book the hotel room tonight, you can't book that hotel room two times tomorrow night,” said Potter.

The sector’s recovery continues to trail that of the broader business world. The number of active tourism-linked businesses sat slightly below pre-pandemic levels as of December, while the number of businesses overall surpassed 2019 figures, data from Destination Canada showed.

Across all sectors, two in three small- and medium-sized enterprises still held pandemic debt at the end of last year, with an average of $107,700, according to a Canadian Federation of Independent Business survey of 3,148 members. Out of 14 sectors surveyed, operators in hospitality and transportation were among the most pessimistic about the coming year. Only retail scored worse.

Ski operations and tourist hotspots such as the Okanagan Valley have had a particularly rough year.

“We had winters that weren’t winters for us,” said Tourism Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada in a phone interview.

“We were really impacted last year with climate change in terms, fire, drought, floods,” she continued. “People were actually cancelling their travels to Canada because they were thinking that the whole country was on fire. Remember the smoke in New York?”

While some tourism statistics for Canada’s four largest cities — Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary — are now on track to overtake 2019 numbers, farther-flung parts of the country continue to struggle.

“Regions a bit further away from those very big hubs had more difficulty to regain the momentum,” the minister said. Business travel and conventions also continue to lag, she added.

Regional transport has failed to bounce back as well, with domestic seat capacity at 84 per cent of 2019 levels as of the fourth quarter of 2023, according to Destination Canada. That can dent domestic travel and leisure markets.

“If people want to go between Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland in the wintertime, when the ferry is not running, you'd have to fly to Toronto,” said Potter, pointing to the deterrent.

The minister cited pledges laid out in the federal budget to support tourism. The government has vowed to provide new funding to replace Via Rail’s aging fleet on routes outside the corridor running between Quebec City and Windsor, Ont. — an amount has not yet been specified due to an upcoming procurement process.

Martinez Ferrada also highlighted $124 million for Atlantic ferry operations as well as investments in development opportunities in the North and for Indigenous tourism operations announced last year.

While no new sector-specific loans are on the horizon, she framed the $2.5 billion in carbon rebates slated to land in small- and medium-sized businesses’ bank accounts in the coming months as a financial buoy.

Back in Vancouver, Gordon said the year looks promising, with some caveats.

“Most people aren’t 100 per cent confident in their projections,” she said. “It’s not a straight-line recovery … We all feel that the market is really unpredictable right now.

“People in our industry are pretty passionate about what they do and pretty determined. It’s not a doom-and-gloom story,” she reflected.

“But it is a story of huge struggle — and maybe some of it’s unnecessary struggle — and burden on a key industry that brings so much benefit to Canada and promotes our brand in the world.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 23, 2024.

Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press

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Government of Canada announces extension of travel restrictions

From: Public Safety Canada

News release

Protecting Canadians from COVID-19 and reducing the spread of the disease in Canada is the Government of Canada’s top priority.

November 29, 2020 Ottawa, Ontario

Protecting Canadians from COVID-19 and reducing the spread of the disease in  Canada is the Government of Canada’s top priority. In March, 2020, the Government introduced several measures, including prohibitions and restrictions on discretionary and optional travel from the United States (US) and all other countries, to minimize the introduction and spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of Canadians. These measures included the requirement for all travelers entering Canada to quarantine or isolate for 14 days. 

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced that Canada will extend the Mandatory Isolation Order and temporary travel restrictions for all travelers seeking entry into Canada from a country other than the US, until January 21, 2021. Travel restrictions for US citizens and foreign nationals arriving from the US remain in place until December 21, 2020 and may be extended at that time.

The Government continues to evaluate the travel restrictions and prohibitions as well  as the requirement to quarantine or isolate on an ongoing basis to ensure Canadians remain healthy and safe. The ability to align US and international travel extension dates, as well as the Mandatory Isolation Order, beginning on January 21, 2021 will enable the Government to communicate any travel extensions or changes as quickly as possible and provide certainty for Canadians, US and international travelers.

In addition, the Government is amending its order and creating a framework for  considering applications from high-performance amateur sport organizations seeking to hold International Single Sport Events. To be considered, applicants would need to include written commitments of ongoing support from provincial/territorial and local public health authorities and provincial/territorial governments, as well as a robust plan to protect public health and the health of participants. Authorization would be issued by the Department of Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada) in consultation with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Additional information will be available on the Department of Canadian Heritage’s web site shortly.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or who has recently come into close  contact with someone infected with COVID-19, should continue to quarantine or isolate for 14 days. At all Canadian ports of entry, the final determination on a traveler’s admissibility is made by border services officers who base their decision on the information presented and available to them at the time of entry.

“Protecting the health and safety of Canadians is my most important responsibility.  We have introduced a number of policies to keep Canadians safe but must remain flexible and adapt to the evolving COVID-19 situation, while keeping your health as our top priority.” - The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“Canada’s response to COVID-19 is based on the latest scientific evidence. We will continue to adapt our public health measures this way and remain committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians.” - The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health

Quick facts

The Department of Canadian Heritage will determine which foreign nationals can receive accreditation to enter Canada to participate in an International Single Sport Event.

An International Single Sport Event includes World Championships, Olympic or Paralympic Qualifications, as well as World Cups.

A high-performance amateur athlete is defined as an athlete competing at the international level and affiliated with his or her country’s national sport federation.

Related products

• Update on travel restriction exemptions for extended family members and for compassionate reasons
• New COVID-19 pilot planned for international travelers

Associated links

• U.S.-Canada Joint Initiative: Temporary Restriction of Travelers Crossing the U.S.-Canada Border for Non-Essential Purposes
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel restrictions, exemptions and advice
• COVID-19 self-assessment tool

Mary-Liz Power Press Secretary  Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness [email protected]

Media Relations Public Safety Canada 613-991-0657 [email protected]

Camille Gagné-Raynauld Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage [email protected]

Media Relations Canadian Heritage 819-994-9101 1-866-569-6155 [email protected]

Cole Davidson Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Health 613-957-0200

Media Relations Public Health Agency of Canada 613-957-2983 [email protected]

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