travel restrictions in us from canada

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Latest border and travel measures

This news release may not reflect the current border and travel measures. Check COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for the latest requirements to enter Canada.

Important notice

Note that information and resources on the coronavirus (COVID-19) are available on Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Adjustments to Canada’s border and travel measures

From: Public Health Agency of Canada

Backgrounder

The Government of Canada will adjust some of Canada’s border measures beginning on Nov. 30 to include additional COVID-19 vaccines accepted for entry to Canada and changes to certain exemptions, testing and ArriveCAN requirements.

November 19, 2021

Today, the Government of Canada announced upcoming adjustments to Canada’s border measures. This backgrounder provides additional context to support travellers in understanding COVID-19 testing and vaccine requirements, as well as other border measures, which are an important part of Canada’s response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and serve to protect the health and safety of all Canadians.

Eliminating COVID-19 testing for air and land crossings of less than 72 hours

Effective 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 providing a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test result . This exemption is only for trips originating in Canada 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 and can demonstrate they have been away from Canada for less than 72 hours.

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 right of entry into Canada.

For fully vaccinated travellers with 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 (e.g., boarding pass, travel itinerary).

Expanded list of accepted vaccines for the purpose of travel

Effective November 30, 2021, the Government of Canada will expand its list of accepted vaccines for the purposes of entry into Canada and exemption from some testing and quarantine requirements. The list will include Sinopharm, Sinovac and COVAXIN, matching the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Use Listing (EUL).

The EUL is an internationally recognized process to assess vaccines within an existing regulatory structure. The WHO uses the EUL to accelerate the availability of medical products needed in public health emergency situations. The process is based on an expert review of available data on the quality, safety, and efficacy/immunogenicity/performance of each individual product. The COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) also leverages the WHO EUL for its COVID-19 vaccine portfolio.

To be considered fully vaccinated, a traveller must have received the full series of a vaccine—or combination of vaccines— accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country, and must upload their proof of vaccination in English or French into ArriveCAN when travelling to Canada. If the proof of vaccination is not in English or French, travellers must provide a certified translation in English or French. Travellers must bring proof with them when they travel that includes text with the vaccinations and dates received. Travellers must also comply with all other measures under the OICs, including pre-entry testing (unless exempt) and a suitable quarantine plan. Where available, Canadians are strongly encouraged to use the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination .

The expanded list of COVID-19 vaccines and the definition of what is considered fully vaccinated will also be applied to the national vaccination requirements for the federally regulated transportation sectors.

Entry Requirements: Adjustments for certain travellers entering Canada

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. )
• 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).

As of November 30, 2021, travellers need to be fully vaccinated to travel within Canada with very few exceptions. There is a limited period, until January 14, 2022, during which individuals in specified exempt groups can continue to enter the country if unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, as well as take a connecting flight to their final destination that is scheduled to depart within 24 hours of the departure time of their flight to enter Canada. However, if they remain unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, they will not be allowed to take a plane or train beyond their original connection, except to depart Canada before February 28, 2022. As such, all travellers are strongly advised to make plans to get vaccinated as soon as they can, in order to travel freely in and outside the country.

On January 15, 2022, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers will only be allowed to enter Canada if they meet one of the limited exceptions, including:

• agricultural and food processing workers;
• foreign marine crew members;
• those entering on compassionate grounds;
• new permanent residents;
• newly resettled refugees;
• children under the age of 18 who are currently exempt from the travel restrictions, including international students who are studying at a designated learning institution that has a COVID-19 readiness plan; those travelling with a parent, step-parent, tutor or guardian who is either fully vaccinated, or a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or person registered under the Indian Act ; and those travelling to reunite with immediate or extended Canadian family members in Canada; and
• national interest exemptions.

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 who are travelling with fully vaccinated adults do not need to quarantine BUT must follow public measures:

• Attend school, camp or day care.
• Attend a setting where they may have contact with vulnerable people (e.g., long term care facility), including people who are immunocompromised, regardless of that person’s vaccination status or public health measures.
• Travel on crowded public transportation that does not ensure physical distancing and masking.
• Attend large crowded settings, indoors or outdoors, such as an amusement park or sporting event.
• In addition, the child must take COVID-19 molecular tests as instructed, unless their parent, step-parent, tutor or guardian has evidence that the child had a positive COVID-19 test taken 10 to 180 days prior to arrival in Canada or the child is under 5 years of age.

Unless exempt, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers eligible to enter Canada will be required to:

• have proof of a negative molecular pre-entry test taken no more than 72 hours before their flight’s initial scheduled departure time or arrival at the land border, or a previous positive COVID-19 molecular test taken within 10 and 180 days before arrival;
• complete arrival (day 1) and post-arrival (day 8) testing;
• quarantine for 14 days in a suitable place; and
• submit all of the information above in ArriveCAN via the free mobile app or website.

ArriveCAN: New requirements for essential travellers

As of November 30, 2021, all exempt essential service providers will be required to identify their vaccination status in ArriveCAN , regardless of whether or not they are allowed to enter as unvaccinated. ArriveCAN will prompt them to provide details on their vaccine(s), including manufacturer, country received and date received, and to upload their proof of vaccination.

Exempt essential travellers include those travelling as/for:

• most essential service providers (including most temporary foreign workers, emergency service providers and marine researchers);
• cross-border work (e.g., you regularly cross the border to work);
• medical and health care support (e.g., health care practitioner, to receive medical care, or to transport medical equipment or supplies);
• trade and transport (e.g., truck driver or crew member on any aircraft, shipping vessel, or train); and
• people who live in integrated trans-border communities.

If an exempt essential traveller previously created a reusable ArriveCAN receipt, they will be required to either download the latest version of the free ArriveCAN mobile app or sign in to the web version after November 30, 2021, and re-submit all of their information, including the newly required information on proof of vaccinations, to get a new exempt reusable ArriveCAN receipt. Once an exempt traveller creates a new reusable receipt, the receipt can be used for subsequent trips.

Until January 15, 2022, if an exempt essential traveller is not vaccinated, they will still be able to get an ArriveCAN receipt. After January 15, 2022, they must be fully vaccinated to get an ArriveCAN receipt. As of this date, most travellers who are currently exempt from quarantine will need to be fully vaccinated to enter Canada. They will also be required to upload their proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN.

Mandatory vaccination for federally regulated transportation sectors

As announced on August 13, 2021 , travellers in the federally regulated air and rail sectors will need to be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine accepted by the Government of Canada for the purpose of travel. After extensive consultations, Transport Canada issued orders and guidance to airlines and railways to implement the vaccination requirements for travellers, which came into effect at 3 AM (EDT) October 30, 2021.

The vaccination requirements apply to all travellers, 12 years of age plus four months, who are:

• Air passengers flying on domestic, trans-border or international flights departing from most airports in Canada; and
• Rail passengers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains.

As of November 30, 2021, a valid COVID-19 test will no longer be accepted as an alternative to vaccination for travel within Canada. To take a flight or a train, travellers must be fully vaccinated with one of the expanded list of vaccinations unless they qualify for a limited exemption to this requirement. These include:

• Medical inability to be vaccinated;
• Essential or urgent medical services and treatment;
• Sincere religious beliefs;
• Emergency travel; and
• Other travel in the national interest.

For domestic and outbound travel, airlines and railways will administer the process for considering a traveller’s medical inability to be vaccinated, essential medical services and treatment, sincere religious beliefs, and emergency/urgent travel (including for urgent medical reasons). Travellers who think they may be eligible for one of these exemptions should contact their airline or railway company to obtain the necessary form and submit it in accordance with their carrier’s approval process (forms available starting November 30, 2021).

Transport Canada will administer exemptions for other domestic and outbound travel in the national interest. Travellers granted an exemption will need to have a valid COVID-19 molecular test, taken no more than 72 hours before boarding a regulated flight or train. Travellers will be able to submit applications under the domestic National Interest Exemption Program starting November 30.

Airlines and railways will continue to be responsible for confirming the vaccination status of travellers. In the aviation mode, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will also support operators by confirming vaccination status.

This vaccination requirement continues to include specific accommodation to recognize the unique needs of travellers from small, remote communities (some of which are not accessible by road) to ensure they will be able to travel to obtain essential services in support of their medical, health, or social well-being, and return safely to their homes. The specific requirements for these communities will continue to evolve based on engagement with Indigenous organizations and provinces and territories in the coming weeks.

Transport Canada continues to work with the cruise ship industry, and other domestic and international partners, to permit the safe re-opening of Canada to cruise ship travel in spring 2022, including the specific vaccination requirements for cruise ship passengers, and other health protocols. Additional information will be available in the coming weeks.

The Government of Canada will continue to engage with key stakeholders, employers, airlines and railways, bargaining agents, Indigenous Peoples, local authorities, and provinces and territories to support the implementation of the vaccination requirement.

For travellers entering Canada: While Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Indian Act will still be able to enter Canada if they are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, they will not be permitted to travel beyond their point of entry within Canada on a connecting flight or by rail. These travellers should plan their return accordingly by selecting a Canadian airport that is closest to their final destination, and expect to be subject to testing and quarantine.

After January 15, 2022, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated agricultural and agri-food workers, new permanent residents, and some children under the age of 18 will still be allowed to travel onward domestically to get established in Canada, but will also continue to be subject to testing and quarantine. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated resettled refugees will continue to be allowed to enter Canada and stringent health and safety protocols remain in place.

Foreign nationals who reside in Canada temporarily, and who entered Canada as unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, will be allowed to leave the country without being fully vaccinated up until February 28, 2022. After that time, foreign nationals will need to be fully vaccinated to board a flight or train in Canada.

Page details

Canada-U.S. border restrictions: The current rules with ArriveCan, COVID-19 tests, vaccine mandates

With the COVID-19 restrictions at the border to remain in place for at least another month , some Canadians may need a primer on what those rules are.

Public Health Agency of Canada announced that several pandemic restrictions will be extended at Canadian airports and land borders, including vaccine mandates, random COVID-19 tests and the mandatory use of the ArriveCan app, until at least June 30.

While few Canadians may still be anxious about travelling, some are ready to take a vacation after more than two years in a pandemic. CTVNews.ca breaks down what rules travellers need to be aware of as they plan their trips prior to jetting off.

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

PRE-ENTRY TEST NO LONGER REQUIRED

As of April 1, fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to provide a negative pre-entry COVID-19 test result to enter Canada by air, land or water.

Passengers may still be subjected to mandatory, random PCR testing at the airport -- in part to monitor for new, emerging COVID-19 variants -- though they will not be required to isolate while awaiting their results.

As of April 25, children aged five to 11 who are travelling with a fully vaccinated parent or guardian will no longer be required to complete a COVID-19 test prior to entering Canada, regardless of whether the child is unvaccinated. Children under the age of five won’t be required to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test either, and are exempt for vaccination requirements.

ARRIVECAN APP

All travellers coming to Canada, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, still have to use the ArriveCAN app to submit their health information before arriving in Canada. Travellers must submit their information in ArriveCAN within 72 hours before arrival at a port of entry.

Travellers who arrive without completing their ArriveCAN submission may have to test on arrival and on the eighth day of their 14-day quarantine, regardless of their vaccination status. Foreign nationals may be denied entry as well if they have not completed their ArriveCAN submission.

Any travellers who fail to submit their information and proof of vaccination using ArriveCAN could be fined $5,000.

While travellers still have to use the ArriveCAN app, the federal government has dropped its requirement for those entering the country to monitor for and report any COVID-19 symptoms they experience. Those travelling from abroad also won’t be required to keep a list of close contacts and places visited for the first 14 days after their arrival in Canada.

PROOF OF VACCINATION STILL NEEDED

Despite the lifting of pre-entry test requirements, the requirement to be fully vaccinated with a government-approved COVID-19 vaccine in order to board federally-regulated air, rail, and marine transportation remains in effect.

Pre-entry testing requirements have not changed for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers who are currently allowed to travel to Canada.

Unless otherwise exempt, all travellers age 12 or older who do not qualify as fully vaccinated – having received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine accepted for travel or a mix of two vaccines – must continue to provide proof of a negative pre-entry COVID-19 test result.

Accepted pre-entry tests include a health professional-administered negative rapid antigen test taken no more than one day before arriving at a port of entry, or a negative molecular test taken no more than 72 hours before a scheduled flight or crossing at a land border.

Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers may also provide a positive molecular test taken at least 10 days and no more than 180 days before their scheduled flight departure time or their arrival at the land border to enter Canada. Positive antigen test results are not accepted.

The government recommends completing a COVID-19 vaccine series, along with any additional recommended doses in Canada, at least 14 days before travelling internationally. For those who must travel, the government suggests delaying one's plans until they are fully vaccinated.

MASKING DURING TRAVEL AND AFTER ARRIVAL

Canadian adults and children aged five and older who are fully vaccinated are no longer expected to wear a mask in public spaces for 14 days following their arrival in Canada. However, children aged five to 11 who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must continue to wear masks in public settings, such as school, for 14 days after entering Canada.

All travellers are also still required to wear a mask while travelling on federally-regulated modes of transportation, such as a plane or train, regardless of whether they are vaccinated.

BEFORE YOU GO

Prior to travelling, the government recommends checking the COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements, as well as other entry requirements, at one's destination as they may be different from Canada's rules.

Travellers are also advised by the Canadian government to monitor the COVID-19 situation at their destination in the days before travelling should the status of COVID-19 infections and public health requirements there change.

CRUISE SHIPS

Cruise passengers aged five years or older are required to take an antigen or molecular COVID-19 test in order to board a ship no more than two days before their scheduled departure, but will not need to be tested before getting off the ship.

All other requirements for cruises, including providing proof of vaccination before boarding, remain in place.

The government continues to warn travellers that the virus can spread easily between people in close quarters, such as on cruise ships. The government says the chance of being infected with COVID-19 on cruise ships is still "very high," even for those who are fully vaccinated.

A previous version of this article misstated the timeline for passengers to submit an antigen or a molecular COVID-19 test before boarding a cruise ship.

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'There may be additional victims': Sarnia police lay human trafficking charges

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'Total loss' garage fire in south London

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B.C. man rescues starving dachshund trapped in carrier: BC SPCA

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Former U of L student awarded diversity, equity and inclusion medal by NASA

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Vaccinated Americans can enter Canada starting Monday. Here are 11 things to know before a trip.

Vaccinated American travelers will get the green light to cross Canada's borders on Monday , but the process won't be as simple as it was before the pandemic.

The country has implemented new health measures to keep the coronavirus at bay, such as asking visitors to provide additional documentation – including proof of vaccination and a coronavirus test – before crossing the land border. Air travelers also need to submit information , including coronavirus test results, before boarding a   plane to Canada. Falsifying information could result in hefty fines. 

Travelers can also expect longer wait times, thanks to the new public health measures.

Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents will be permitted to enter Canada for nonessential travel starting Monday at 12:01 a.m. ETD. White House officials have yet to say when the U.S. will reciprocate and ease its own travel restrictions against its Canadian neighbors. 

For Americans planning to take a trip up north soon, here are 11 things to know.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

►US borders: US extends Mexico, Canada border restrictions through Aug. 21

Canada border crossing requirements: Travelers will need to be fully vaccinated

American travelers wanting to visit Canada by land, air or water must complete a COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days  before entry. The government of Canada accepts the Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines.  

Cruises are not permitted to enter Canadian waters, but the country's ban on cruise ships with more than 100 passengers is set to end Nov. 1. 

Everyone needs to get a negative coronavirus test 

All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, will need to show proof of a coronavirus molecular test – such as a PCR test – to enter. Fully vaccinated travelers will not need to take a post-arrival test unless they are randomly selected to do so. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website has a list of  community-based testing sites for COVID-19 . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests travelers contact their health care provider or visit their local health department’s website to find the latest information on testing since the type of COVID-19 tests offered can differ by location.

Bring COVID-19 vaccine card, documentation

Travelers must show proof of vaccination  in either English, French or a certified translation.

Airlines will verify passengers’ vaccination status through the ArriveCAN app or website before passengers board their flights. Those driving across the border must use ArriveCAN before departing. Information must be submitted within 72 hours before arrival. 

Travelers are advised to carry their vaccine documentation to show officials at border entry points and should keep their test results and a list of close contacts and locations visited on hand.

Travelers without documentation will be denied boarding, and those who try to cross land borders without the proper documents will be sent back to the United States.

Travelers who try to falsify their documentation could be fined or denied entry to the country at a future date, according to Denis Vinette, vice president of the CBSA travelers branch. Two travelers who tried to enter Canada last month were fined nearly $20,000 Canadian dollars , or nearly $16,000, after providing false information related to proof of vaccination.  

"We've seen quite a few instances with individuals who've attempted to make use of fraudulent documents," Vinette said. "It's just not worth it.  

►Canada border reopens: Canada border opens to vaccinated US citizens Aug. 9: Everything you need to know

Check for any COVID-19 symptoms, and be prepared to quarantine

Fully vaccinated travelers won't need to quarantine upon arrival, but visitors with COVID-19 symptoms  will need to self-isolate. All visitors must provide a quarantine plan.

You can expect longer wait times

The CBSA is expecting increased processing times for border crossings come Monday due to enhanced public health measures. 

“The CBSA will not compromise the health and safety of Canadians for the sake of border wait times,” spokeswoman Rebecca Purdy told USA TODAY via email Tuesday.   

Vinetteof the CBSA said the agency expects a 10% to 25% increase in vehicles trying to cross the border once restrictions ease Monday, which would be just 20% or so of pre-pandemic levels. 

"We asked travelers to be patient but also to arrive prepared and knowledgeable of the requirements at the border," Vinette told USA TODAY. "It'll help increase passage and throughput and make the experience much more positive."

The agency’s website offers estimated border wait times at select land ports. 

Dan Weingarten, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation, added that the department will work to process traffic “as expeditiously as possible” through the state's toll plazas and border bridges.

“We anticipate any delays would be at the U.S. or Canadian customs checkpoints, which are not under our control,” Weingarten said. 

While a CBSA employee strike threatened to further increase wait times for travelers crossing the border, strike actions were called off late Friday  after labor unions reached a tentative agreement with the CBSA.  

Children, others who are exempted can enter Canada

Children under the age of 12 and unvaccinated dependent children will be allowed to enter the country with a fully vaccinated parent, stepparent, tutor or guardian who is eligible to enter Canada.

People with health conditions that prevent them from becoming fully vaccinated can qualify for eased quarantine and testing requirements but must follow a modified quarantine. 

►Canada border: Canada to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated Americans starting Aug. 9

You may run into other COVID-19 travel restrictions

Travelers will be required to follow public health measures, including monitoring for signs of COVID-19 and keeping a copy of vaccine documentation and test results 14 days after entry . 

Canada's government suggests mask wearing in shared spaces, and certain provinces – including Quebec  and Ontario – enforce mask mandates.

Travelers entering by air will need to wear a mask in Canadian airports and on flights to and from the country, regardless of vaccination status. 

Some provinces impose  other restrictions. Newfoundland and Labrador  require a travel form to enter.  Ontario has capacity limits on organized public events, retail spaces, museums, casinos, theaters and more. 

The country's national parks are open and welcome visitors, but access to facilities and services may be limited. 

►Mask rules, open venues and more: What you need to know about summer travel in Europe

Airlines add flights to Canada

Airlines are adding flights to Canada to accommodate the anticipated uptick of air travel demand.

Air Canada announced a summer trans-border schedule with up to 220 daily flights between the USA and Canada starting Monday. The initial schedule will include 55 routes and 34 U.S. destinations, but the airline plans to restore service to all 57 U.S. destinations previously served “as conditions allow,” according to the airline.  

United, which flies to Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, said it would add flights to Toronto and Vancouver in September.

American Airlines services four airports in Canada – Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver – and is set to resume operations in Halifax, Quebec and Ottawa in the spring of 2022, according to a statement in June. 

Pricing from flight search tool Skyscanner on Fridayshowed airfares for August trips from the USA to Canada start at $329 for Vancouver, $359 for Toronto and $356 for Calgary. 

Effective Monday, international flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at nine Canadian airports:

• Montréal-Trudeau International Airport
• Toronto Pearson International Airport
• Calgary International Airport
• Vancouver International Airport
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport
• Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport
• Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport
• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
• Edmonton International Airport

►Or there's Hawaii: 4 tips to make the most of your Maui vacation as more travelers head to Hawaii

Canada hotel room rates are low – but prices are rising

In June, the average daily room rate – or ADR – across Canada's hotels was $125.05 in Canadian dollars (U.S. $99.61), down 31% compared with 2019, according to hotel analytics company STR.  

Hotel room prices should rebound when border restrictions ease; STR expects ADR to hit $116.22 by the end of September, according to a June statement. The firm expects smaller cities and resorts to lead the recovery. 

“International demand plays an incredibly important role in the recovery process, and we expect a jump in hotel leisure and corporate demand once the U.S./Canada land border reopens,” the news release read.

►More: Yes, room prices are higher. Hotel rates hit record high the week of July 4.

The majority of eligible Canadians are vaccinated against COVID-19

Canada's vaccine rollout had a slower start, but the country has surpassed U.S. vaccination rates. 

More than 71% of the Canadian population  has received at least one dose of the vaccine and nearly 60% were fully vaccinated as of July 31. In the U.S.,  58% of the population was partially vaccinated and 50% was fully vaccinated  as of Friday.  

US extends Canada border closure 

The United States  extended border restrictions on nonessential travel last month, keeping its borders with Canada and Mexico closed through at least Aug. 21. The restrictions to entry affect land and ferry travel. 

The move is meant to help the country decrease the spread of COVID-19, including the highly contagious delta variant.

International travelers who plan to return to the U.S. by air will need to get tested no more than three days before travel and show a negative test result or documentation of recovery to the airline before boarding, according to the CDC. This policy does not apply to land border crossings.

►COVID-19 travel: The delta variant is spreading. Should travelers be concerned?

Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz . 

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I am an American citizen. What do I need to enter Canada?

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada . You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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COVID-19 international travel advisories

If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check with the Department of State for travel advisories.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

• As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S.  arriving by air  or  arriving by land or sea  no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 
• As of June 12, 2022,  people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test . 

U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.

Find country-specific COVID-19 travel rules from the Department of State.

See the  CDC's COVID-19 guidance for safer international travel.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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U.S.-Canada Border Crossing: What You Need to Know

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Table of Contents

Who can travel from the U.S. to Canada?

How many border crossings are there between the u.s. and canada, checklist for a u.s.-canada border crossing, special cases for alaska residents, if you want to cross the u.s.-canada border ….

Borders between the U.S. and Canada recently reopened to travelers more than a year after having closed due to COVID-19. Now, many who are eager to explore our neighbor to the north are left wondering what’s involved in a border crossing and what guidelines they’ll need to adhere to for a successful journey.

If you’re anxious to visit Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver or Calgary, here’s what to know to plan your U.S.-Canada border crossing, whether by land, air or sea.

Currently, Canadian borders are open to all U.S. citizens wishing to enter regardless of vaccination status. However, the requirements for entry will vary based on your vaccination status.

Fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to provide a negative COVID test for entry, but must still use the ArriveCAN app to submit mandatory entry information, including proof of vaccination, at least 72 hours prior to arrival and/or before boarding a cruise ship destined for Canada.

Not fully vaccinated? You won’t be able to visit Canada if you’re traveling for discretionary or leisure purposes. If you don't qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler but still need to travel to Canada for reasons other than leisure, you’ll be required to quarantine for 14 days, take a molecular COVID test, and register for a COVID test upon your arrival in the country, which you can do in advance to save time.

» Learn more: What COVID test is required for travel?

There are more than 100 land border crossings between the U.S. and Canada, and wait time to cross can vary widely.

At most crossings, how long you wait depends on the time of day and the day of the week. Some crossings have little to no delay at off-peak travel times, and others, like Buffalo, New York, can log wait times around 40 minutes.

If you want to set appropriate expectations for how long it takes to cross the U.S.-Canada border, check the Government of Canada website , which is updated hourly.

» Learn more: Need a passport for a trip? Give yourself a big time cushion

If you're fully vaccinated and traveling to Canada, whether by car, plane or boat, you still have to follow certain protocols. To meet entry requirements, you must:

Have no symptoms of COVID-19.

Have received all doses of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 full days before you enter Canada.

Upload your proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN , an app that provides border crossing info and stores important documentation.

Have your required entry documents.

NOTE: As of April 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to provide a negative test for entry.

» Learn more: 4 differences between a passport book and card

If you don’t meet all the requirements of a fully vaccinated traveler, you’ll have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. You may also be selected for a random arrival test at some airports and land crossings. These may take place at the airport or a designated testing site, or you may be provided with a do-it-yourself kit that you can send in once you arrive at your final destination.

If you live in Alaska, you may sometimes have to drive through Canada to get to certain regions of the state. Unvaccinated Alaska residents who must pass through Canada for necessary purposes (i.e. not for leisure or recreation) may do so without pre-entry and arrival COVID tests, but they must remain in their vehicle while driving through Canada. They'll also likely be given a specimen collection kit when they cross a land border into Canada.

If you're leaving Alaska to travel to the lower forty-eight, or if you're returning to Alaska after being in another state, you may also be granted special permission to pass through Canada. However, if you’re not fully vaccinated you will need a negative COVID molecular test result to enter. You'll also need proof that you live in Alaska if you’re driving north, or proof of residence or employment in the lower forty-eight if driving south.

The key to a successful U.S.-Canadian border crossing is preparation. Make sure you know what documentation and information you need well in advance of your arrival at the border or the airport. Ensure everything is in order and uploaded to the ArriveCAN app, and be patient. Above all, travel safely.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Canada Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Canada

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required on public transportation.

Canada entry details and exceptions

Ready to travel, find flights to canada, find stays in canada, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

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Can I travel to Canada from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Canada.

Can I travel to Canada if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Canada without restrictions.

Can I travel to Canada without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Canada without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Canada?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Canada.

Can I travel to Canada without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Canada?

Mask usage in Canada is not required on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Canada?

Restaurants in Canada are open. Bars in Canada are .

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• News Archive

Fact Sheet: DHS Measures on the Border to Limit the Further Spread of Coronavirus

Archived content.

Updated Dates:  April 21, 2020, May 20, 2020, June 16, 2020, July 16, 2020, August 14, 2020, September 24, 2020, October 22, 2020 Original Date:  March 23, 2020

In order to limit the further spread of coronavirus, the U.S. has reached agreements with both Canada and Mexico to limit all non-essential travel across borders. Working closely and collaboratively, the Department of Homeland Security is part of a North American approach to stop the spread of the virus.

Additionally, CBP will no longer detain illegal immigrants in our holding facilities and will immediately return these aliens to the country they entered from – Canada or Mexico. Where such a return is not possible, CBP will return these aliens to their country of origin.

These measures were originally implemented on April 20, 2020 and have been extended by 30 day increments throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic:

• On April 20, 2020, these measures were extended for an additional 30 days ;
• On May 19, 2020, these measures were extended until June 22, 2020 ;
• On June 16, 2020, these measures were once again extended until July 21, 2020 ;
• On July 16, 2020, these measures were extended until August 20, 2020 ;
• On August 14, 2020, these measure were once again extended through September 21, 2020 ;
• On September 18, 2020, these measures were again extended until October 21, 2020 ; and
• On October 19, 2020 these measures were extended until November 21, 2020 .

The U.S., Mexican, and Canadian governments are taking necessary action to fight against this pandemic together.

• Northern Border
• October 19, 2020: Acting Secretary Wolf’s Statement on the Extension of Non-Essential Travel Restrictions with Canada and Mexico
• September 18, 2020: Acting Secretary Wolf’s Statement on the Extension of Non-Essential Travel Restrictions with Canada and Mexico
• August 14, 2020: Acting Secretary Wolf’s Statement on the Extension of Non-Essential Travel Restrictions with Canada and Mexico
• June 16, 2020: Acting Secretary Wolf’s Statement on Extension of Non-Essential Travel Restrictions with Canada and Mexico
• May 19, 2020: Acting Secretary Wolf's Statement on Non-Essential Travel
• April 20, 2020: Acting Secretary Chad Wolf Statement on Non-Essential Travel
• March 20, 2020: Joint Statement on US-Canada Joint Initiative: Temporary Restriction of Travelers Crossing the US-Canada Land Border for Non-Essential Purposes

The US-Canada land border serves as an economic engine that supports over $1.7 billion (USD) dollars in daily cross-border trade. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States and Canada are temporarily restricting all non-essential travel across its borders. In each of our countries, we are encouraging people to exercise caution by avoiding unnecessary contact with others. This collaborative and reciprocal measure is an extension of that prudent approach.

“Non-essential” travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature.

The United States and Canada recognize it is critical we preserve supply chains between both countries. These supply chains ensure that food, fuel, and life-saving medicines reach people on both sides of the border. Supply chains, including trucking, will not be impacted by this new measure. Americans and Canadians also cross the land border every day to do essential work or for other urgent or essential reasons, and that travel will not be impacted.

This decision was implemented on March 21, 2020, at which time the US and Canada will temporarily restrict all non-essential travel across the US-Canada land border. These measures were originally in place for 30 days, subject to reevaluation and further extension in light of the fluid nature of the coronavirus pandemic. On May 19, 2020 these measures were once again extended until June 22, 2020. On August 14, 2020, these measures were again extended until September 21, 2020. On September 18, 2020, these measures were again extended until October 21, 2020. On October 19, 2020 these measures were again extended until November 21, 2020.

Southern Border

• March 20, 2020: Joint Statement on US-Mexico Joint Initiative to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic

The strong partnership and close cooperation between the United States and Mexico has allowed us to maintain a productive border environment. We value the health and safety of our citizens and keep that at the forefront of joint decisions made by our respective leaders regarding cross-border operations.

Recognizing the robust trade relationship between the United States and Mexico, we agree our two countries, in response to the ongoing global and regional health situation, require particular measures both to protect bilateral trade and our countries’ economies and ensure the health of our nations’ citizens. We agree to the need for a dedicated joint effort to prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus and address the economic effects resulting from reduced mobility along our shared border.  

The U.S. and Mexican governments further recognize critical services such as food, fuel, healthcare and life-saving medicines must reach people on both sides of the border every day. Essential travel must therefore continue unimpeded during this time.  In order to ensure that essential travel can continue, the United States and Mexico are also temporarily restricting all non-essential travel across its borders.

“Non-essential” travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. Additionally, we are encouraging people to exercise caution by avoiding unnecessary contact with others.

This collaborative and reciprocal initiative is an extension of our nations’ prudent approach that values the health and safety of our citizens in the joint decisions made by our respective leaders regarding cross-border operations.

This joint initiative will commence at 00:01 Saturday, March 21 throughout the US-Mexico land border. These measures were originally in place for 30 days, subject to reevaluation and further extension in light of the fluid nature of the coronavirus pandemic. On May 19, 2020 these measures were once again extended until June 22, 2020. On August 14, 2020, these measures were again extended until September 21, 2020. On September 18, 2020, these measures were again extended until October 21, 2020. On October 19, 2020 these measures were again extended until November 21, 2020.

Detention Facilities

CBP is the first line of defense of our nation’s borders. To help prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into our border facilities and into our country, aliens subject to the order will not be held in congregate areas for processing by CBP and instead will immediately be turned away from ports of entry. Those encountered between ports of entry after illegally crossing the border similarly will not be held in congregate areas for processing and instead, to the maximum extent feasible, will immediately be returned to their country of last transit. These aliens are processed in stations designed for short-term processing, where distancing is not a viable option, creating a serious danger of an outbreak.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that these conditions present a serious infection control challenge and are a risk to public health. Should an outbreak occur at these facilities, local medical facilities would be forced to devote extensive resources and may become overwhelmed.   

This action will also protect the health of our country’s dedicated border agents and other law enforcement personnel, who are vital to the security of our Nation.

Apprehension of illegal immigrants along both borders between POEs:

• Migrants from Coronavirus Impacted Areas: Since the beginning of the FY20 fiscal year in October 2019 through the end of February 2020 (over the period of October 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020), foreign nationals from 122 separate countries have been apprehended or denied entry (inadmissible) at the U.S. Southwest border, for a total of over 190,000 apprehended or inadmissible migrants from countries currently with confirmed COVID cases.
• Size and Scale: Every week, CBP apprehends between 7,000 – 9,000 individuals between ports of entry —the equivalent of 2.5 Diamond Princess cruise ships per week.
• Human-to-human Spread: The spread of coronavirus is exacerbated by human-to-human transmission and the need for detention. CBP law enforcement facilities are for short-term holding and do not provide for needed large-scale isolation, diagnosis, or treatment of such a novel disease.
• CBP Facilities: CBP facilities are not structured or equipped to effectively quarantine an infected population. CBP would be forced to rely on state and local hospitals to provide longer-term medical care for individuals who fall ill, further burdening our strained healthcare system and depriving Americans of key medical resources.

Although CBP has policies and procedures in place to handle transmittable diseases, COVID-19 will impact already strained holding capacities and place an extreme burden on what is forecasted to be a stretched healthcare system and the nation’s critical medical professionals who are needed to attend to U.S. citizens and legal residents.  

Migrants should shelter-in-place in their homes and communities, rather than attempting a long and dangerous journey to the United States borders at the hands of traffickers and smugglers.

U.S. Citizens:

U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and certain other travelers are exempt from this action. They will receive the same processing, evaluation and potential CDC medical screening that all entrants undergo at U.S. Ports of Entry.

Effective at March 21, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. EDT, CBP will, as authorized, implement CDC authority under 42 U.S.C. § 265 to prohibit entry of certain persons into the United States. CBP will assist the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect against the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by implementing the emergency authorities under 42 U.S.C. § 265 at the nation’s land borders to prohibit the introduction of certain persons in the interest of public health.

Additional Information

• DHS Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Coronavirus.gov
• CDC.gov: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• USA.gov: What the U.S. Government is Doing
• Border Security
• Secretary of Homeland Security
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Southwest Border

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Everything you need to know about traveling to Canada

Here’s what to know before you go to the great white north.

This story has been updated.

The world is traveling again, and Americans are looking to the Great White North for their international travel plans.

The Canadian border began welcoming American tourists in August 2021, making them the first nonessential travelers to set foot in the country since the pandemic began.

But a lot has changed since the world’s longest international border reopened. For those planning a trip to Canada, here’s what you’ll need to know before you leave.

What you need to enter

Starting Oct. 1, the country is dropping all coronavirus entry and travel restrictions. That means visitors will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination, get tested, submit health information through an official online site, report symptoms, isolate or quarantine, or wear a mask on planes or trains.

Rules for cruise travelers are also being lifted, meaning passengers won’t need to test negative before boarding a ship, be vaccinated or use the online public health reporting system.

The country stopped requiring vaccinated travelers to show proof of a negative test in April, but kept the vaccine mandate in place. Visitors could still be selected for testing upon arrival.

Officials still recommend that travelers wear high-quality masks and forgo travel if they have coronavirus symptoms. People who do arrive sick in Canada should tell someone like a flight attendant, cruise line employee or border officer, the government said. They could be “referred to a quarantine officer who will decide whether the traveller needs further medical assessment,” the official statement said.

Plan for potential airport delays

People who plan to travel by plane should be prepared to face larger crowds and more delays in airports.

Many of Canada’s major airports experienced delays this summer, along with backlogs at security screening and customs. Although there were about half as many people flying through Toronto Pearson airport in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period in 2019, handling these travelers with less staffing and current pandemic screening measures has proved challenging.

“As Canada’s hub airport, more passengers are passing through Pearson than at any other time during the pandemic,” Rachel Bertone, a spokesperson for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, said this summer.

To help offset delays, she recommends international travelers arrive three hours before their flights. Travelers should also make sure their luggage has no liquid, gels or aerosols larger than 3.4 ounces; avoid wearing clothing with metal pieces; and be prepared to remove electronic devices from their bags at security.

You can check current wait times on the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website .

How to dine and explore

Canada’s vast natural landscapes — from the Rocky Mountains to the Maritimes — make for beautiful sites for camping or a day trip. In its cities, take advantage of the patios along the streets for drinks and dining.

Restaurants no longer require diners to show their vaccine passports . Some restaurants have changed their hours because of staffing shortages, so be sure to check their updated hours.

Ditching the car and taking advantage of the public transportation networks in many cities is also an affordable alternative, said Christine Cassisi, a Florida resident who spent 10 days this summer visiting Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia with her husband.

She and her husband used public transportation instead of renting a car for most of their trip, and explored many trailheads, restaurants, museums, and other attractions. Most people on transit wore masks, she noted.

Jeff Doane, Accor hotel group’s chief commercial officer for North and Central America, said many Canadian hotels are ready and waiting for American tourists.

“The great thing about Canada is that it has a population of California and it’s bigger than the United States, so there’s a lot of great outdoors out there,” Doane said. “It’s a great place to go out and explore.”

You asked: Where can I find a coronavirus test in a foreign country?

Where to get tested before returning home

While the testing requirement to return to the United States has dropped, you may still want to test before your flight home.

Most major airports in Canada have resources on where to get tested in or near the airport, so do your research to find the best price and location for you. The tests can run anywhere from $40 to $159, depending on the test, testing site and how far in advance you book.

Walden said a trip to Canada can help people scratch their travel itch without going too far from home.

“For American travelers looking to refresh their view …a trip to Canada offers the best of both worlds — exciting adventures and international experiences they crave, with the ease and comfort of proximity,” she said.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

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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Entering Canada

On this page, by private boat, required identification, permanent residents, travelling with children, you and the border services officer.

Whether you’re returning home or visiting, you’ll follow the same 3 steps to enter Canada:

Step 1. Pre-arrival: Use Advance Declaration or complete a Declaration Card

If you’re arriving by air at one of Canada’s participating international airports, you can save time at the border. Submit your customs and immigration declaration online using Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada.

If you choose not to submit your declaration in advance, you can complete it at an airport kiosk or eGate. If you’re landing at an airport without kiosks or eGates, you’ll receive a Declaration Card on board the aircraft or other conveyance. Read the instructions and complete the card before you arrive. Have it ready to present to Canadian officials at the airport, along with your identification and other travel documents. If you're travelling with children, please have their documentation ready as well.

If using a Declaration Card, detach and discard the instructions. To help us serve you faster, do not fold the card.

Everyone arriving in Canada must complete a declaration. You can list up to 4 people living at the same residence on one card, or 8 people per Advance Declaration submission.

The Declaration Card or Advance Declaration submission tells us what we need to know about you, your travels and what you’re bringing into the country.

Connecting to another flight

If you’re connecting to another flight or travelling on to another destination and re-boarding the same plane, follow the signs. At some airports, you may have to check your baggage and have it screened again.

If you travel frequently our trusted traveller programs can help

If you're a member of a trusted traveller program, you can skip Step 2 and go directly to the automated kiosks or eGates for faster processing.

Step 2. Arrival: First CBSA checkpoint

When you arrive at the terminal, follow the signs to the first Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) checkpoint, also called “primary inspection.”

If you used Advance Declaration, go to a kiosk or eGate to retrieve your confirmed declaration receipt. Up to 5 people may use a kiosk as a group upon arrival.

Next, a border services officer will examine your:

• Declaration Card or Advance Declaration kiosk receipt
• your identification
• other travel documents

The officer may ask you a series of questions to determine:

• your immigration status
• the type of any goods you're bringing with you
• your duty-free allowance
• your personal exemption entitlements

Goods not properly declared that are restricted or prohibited in Canada can, under the law, be seized.

Newcomer or coming to Canada to study or work

If you’re a newcomer to Canada, coming to study or work in Canada, you may need to present further documentation. The officer will help guide you through this process. You may ask the officer for help if you don’t speak English or French well.

Step 3. Baggage and second CBSA checkpoint

Go to the baggage claim area. If you must pay duty and taxes, you can pay at most major airports while waiting for your luggage.

Once you’ve picked up your luggage:

• go to the next CBSA checkpoint
• Declaration Card, Advance Declaration kiosk or eGate receipt
• receipt, if you paid duty and taxes for your goods

The officer may direct you to a secondary inspection area.

Here, officers may ask you:

• for detailed information about your travels
• to present your luggage and goods for examination

This is a normal part of the travelling process. Your cooperation is appreciated and helps us ensure the safety of Canada, its economy and its residents.

If you’re arriving by land, follow the signs to the first checkpoint, also called “primary inspection.” Here, a border services officer will examine your identification and other travel documents and take your verbal declaration.

Visit U.S. to Canada border wait times for estimated wait times at certain locations.

If you’re arriving by private boat, go directly to a designated marine telephone reporting site and call the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC) at 1-888-226-7277 to obtain clearance.

Private boaters that meet certain conditions may report to the CBSA by calling the TRC using cell phone from their location in Canadian waters.

Learn more about reporting requirements for private boaters.

Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children travelling with you to help confirm your legal right to enter Canada. Canada has introduced a new entry requirement, known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), for certain international travellers who fly to Canada.

Read about the changes and how they may affect you.

The Government of Canada recommends that Canadian citizens travel with a valid Canadian passport because it’s the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel.

International transportation companies such as airlines may require travellers to present a passport before boarding. Canadian citizens may face delays or may not be allowed to board the plane or other conveyance if they present other documents such as a:

• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)/Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)
• NEXUS card (used where the program is available)
• Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card used in FAST lanes
• Canadian citizenship card
• Certificate of Indian Status
• Birth certificate in combination with either a driver's licence or a government-issued photo identification

Permanent residents (immigrants living in Canada who are not yet Canadian citizens) need a valid permanent resident card to return to Canada. Check the expiry date on your card.

Note that a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document.

See Canadian Citizenship for further details.

Parents who share custody of their children should bring copies of the legal custody documents to the border when travelling with their children.

A consent letter should be used for all cross-border travel when a child is travelling:

• with only 1 parent or guardian
• in the care of friends or relatives
• with a group, such as a sports, school, musical or religious group

Example of a consent letter to permit travel by a child with a single custodian or parent.

When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the children.

Adults who aren’t parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. The consent letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.

Border officers watch for missing children, and may ask detailed questions about the children who are travelling with you.

You may occasionally find yourself going through a more detailed inspection. In some cases, this simply means that you may have to complete a form. In other cases, the border services officer will need to identify the goods you’re bringing into the country or examine your luggage.

Border services officers are legally entitled to examine your luggage as part of their responsibility to protect Canada's safety, economy and environment. 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 to help you. It’s a good idea to keep all your receipts for accommodation and purchases, and for any repairs done to, or parts bought for, your vehicle. The border services officer may ask to see them as evidence of the length of your stay and of the value of the goods or repairs.

If you disagree with the amount of duty and taxes that you have to pay, please ask to speak with the CBSA superintendent on duty. A consultation can often resolve the issue quickly and without cost. If you’re still not satisfied, our officers can tell you how to make a formal appeal.

Border services officers may arrest an individual for an offence under the Criminal Code (for example, impaired driving, outstanding arrest warrants, stolen property, abductions/kidnappings) and for infractions under other acts of Parliament (for example, the Customs Act , the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act ).

If you’re arrested, you may be compelled to attend court in Canada. You should note that anyone arrested in Canada is protected by and will be treated in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms .

Related links

• Bringing goods to Canada
• Traveller entry requirements
• Travel documents
• Programs for trusted travellers
• Travelling as a dual citizen

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 17, 2023

Canada - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Canada.

If you decide to travel to Canada: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Canada.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

Embassy Messages

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Not required for stays under 180 days

Embassies and Consulates

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]

The Ottawa consular district includes the counties of Kingston, Lanark, Leeds, Prescott, Refrew, Russell, and Stormont in Eastern Ontario, and those parts of the Québec regions of Outaouais and Abitibi-Témiscamingue near Ottawa.

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.

U.S. Consulate General Toronto

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.

U.S. Consulate General Vancouver

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.

U.S. Consulate General Halifax

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.

U.S. Consulate Winnipeg

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.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

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 .

•    Help you find appropriate medical care

•    Assist you in reporting a crime to the police

•    Contact relatives or friends with your written consent

•    Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion

•    Provide a list of local attorneys

•    Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.

•    Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution

•    Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home

•    Replace a stolen or lost passport

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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What is Air Canada's carry-on bag size limit?

A s Canada’s largest airline, Air Canada opens the world to a ton of great destinations — from metropolises like Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto, to our Canada's rural, scenic heartland. It’s Canada’s flagship carrier and a member of the Star Alliance, which also includes airlines like United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and Air France. 

With that prestige comes more generous carry-on policies than you might find on low-cost carriers , meaning you’re able to bring both a personal item and a carry-on item onboard with you at no extra cost. However, as with all airlines, there are a few things to keep in mind about carry-on size, restrictions, fees and more. Here's what you need to know about carry-on bag size limits on Air Canada. Let’s dive in.  

Air Canada carry-on policy

No matter where you’re going or what ticket class you have, every passenger on Air Canada is entitled to bring both one carry-on bag (referred to by Air Canada as a "standard article") and one personal item (or "personal article"). As with other airlines, the personal item must be compact enough to store under the seat in front of you.

One wrinkle to note: If you have a connecting flight on one of Air Canada's partner airlines , the  first flight in the itinerary determines the baggage policy for your entire flight. So for instance, if you’re flying on United to Chicago before connecting to an Air Canada flight, you’ll be subject to United’s baggage policy. With up to 400 daily flights between the U.S. and Canada on this airline, a little research on your end may be needed to ensure that your bags are compliant for each stage of your trip. 

Air Canada carry-on size limit

When flying Air Canada, carry-on bags are limited to 21.5 in x 15.5 in x 9 in (55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm), including wheels and handles. That’s generous enough to include most carry-on bags, but it’s always best to double-check the dimensions well before your flight just in case yours go a bit beyond.

Here are a few of our favorite carry-on bags that meet Air Canada's size criteria: 

Away The Carry-On - $275 at Away

We're huge fans of the Away carry-on bag. When we reviewed it , we loved how much we could fit inside thanks to the compression straps, and we found the bag simultaneously lightweight and sturdy — two of the most important qualities in a carry-on. 

Herschel Heritage Hardshell Carry On Luggage - 35L  - $225 at Herschel

TUMI 19-Degree International Expandable 4-Wheel Carry-On  - $750 at Amazon

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Carry-On Travel Tote Bag  - $84.99 at Amazon

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port  - $99.99 at Amazon 

Air Canada personal item size limit

You’ll be fine with most standard-sized backpacks and totes if you’ve chosen one as your personal item. Air Canada’s size restrictions for personal items are fairly generous at 17 in x 13 in x 6 in (43 cm x 33 cm x 16 cm). Laptop bags, briefcases and other bags will generally comply with these limits; when in doubt, use a measuring tape once your bag is fully packed (soft-sided bags can get a little bulkier than their stated dimensions if you have oddly-shaped items inside).  

Here are a few of our favorite bags that fit the guidelines: 

BÉIS The Backpack in Maple - $88 at BÉIS

For staying organized on the go, there's nothing like The Backpack from BÉIS. We love how the bag unzips fully (so you can pack it flat, like a suitcase). When we reviewed it , we noted how much the bag can fit without becoming unwieldy, which is essential for travel. 

Samsonite Unisex-Adult Foldaway Packable Tote Sling Bag  - $30 at Amazon

Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack  - $100 at Amazon

CALPAK Trnk Large Hat Box  - $205 at CALPAK 

Air Canada carry-on bag weight limit

The airline doesn’t require that carry-on bags stay under a certain weight limit, but it does note that carry-on bags must be light enough for you to lift into the overhead bin unassisted.

Air Canada carry-on liquids restrictions

Air Canada’s U.S.-based flights follow TSA guidelines when it comes to liquids in your carry-on. If you’re planning to travel with shampoo, cleanser, moisturizer or any other liquids, creams or gels, make sure the sizes fall in line with the federal agency’s rules. Called the 3-1-1 liquids rule, it stipulates: 

• Liquids are limited to containers of 3.4 ounces (100-milliliters) or less
• All containers must fit into one quart-sized, resealable transparent plastic bag
• Each passenger may bring only one quart-sized bag of liquids 

If you’re tight on time or traveling on a budget, your standard Ziploc or store-brand quart-sized bag will do just fine — you probably have one or two in the back of a kitchen drawer. If you’re a frequent traveler and want something sturdier, then there are plenty of reusable, leak-resistant options for packing up your liquids: 

Cadence Travel Containers Daily Routine Capsule Set  - $130 on Amazon

TSA Approved Clear Travel Toiletry Bag wih Zippers  - $7.99 on Amazon 

Stasher Reusable Silicone Storage Bag - $16.88 at Amazon

The Pouch | 3-1-1 TSA Approved Clear Travel Toiletry Bag  - $14 at Amazon  

Here's how we choose products to recommend to you . 

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April 25, 2024 | For the campus and community

Travel restrictions near Memorial Mall area to continue through summer

As part of the University Hall project , some travel restrictions near the Memorial Mall area will remain in place through the summer.

Some parking spaces along Oval Drive near University Hall have been removed. While Oval Drive is still open, motorists should be aware of construction fencing in front of University Hall. Fencing is also up along the northside of University Hall, closing off the walkway between Schleman Hall. The walkway between University and Stone Halls will remain open throughout the project.

Additionally, fencing is expected to be installed around Heavilon Hall in late June with the goal of demolition for the building starting in early September after preparatory work. As a result of the fencing going up, the walkways near the Brown Laboratory of Chemistry and Grissom Hall will be closed. Pedestrians will be able to walk between Heavilon Hall and the Wetherill Laboratory of Chemistry.

Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists should use caution in the area and obey all posted signs.

Questions about the project may be directed to Cy Rangel, project executive, at [email protected] . Parking questions may be directed to Parking Facilities at 765-494-9497 or  [email protected]  between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The lobby closes at 4 p.m.