Are you planning a trip to Canada? If so, be sure to familiarize yourself with the travel restrictions that apply. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the restrictions that apply to travelers from different countries, as well as some tips on what you need to do before you go.
Check if you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller
As of April 19, 2021, Canada is allowing fully vaccinated travellers to enter the country without having to quarantine. If you’re planning to take advantage of this new policy, there are a few things you need to know.
First, you’ll need to provide proof of vaccination when you arrive in Canada. This can be in the form of a vaccine passport or e-documentation from a recognized health authority.
You’ll also need to have a negative COVID-19 test result from within 72 hours of your flight. Finally, you’ll need to complete a self-isolation plan and submit it to the Canadian Border Services Agency upon arrival.
If you don’t meet the requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, don’t worry – you can still enter Canada. You’ll just need to follow the standard travel restrictions, which we’ll outline below.
Standard travel restrictions
All travellers entering Canada must have a negative COVID-19 test result from within 72 hours of their flight. They must also quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Travellers are also required to complete a self-isolation plan and submit it to the Canadian Border Services Agency upon arrival. This plan must include contact information for someone who can check in on you during your self-isolation period, as well as a list of places you will isolate (e.g., your home, hotel room, etc.).
There are some exceptions to these requirements. For example, essential workers and certain family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents are exempt from the quarantine requirement.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify for an exemption, contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Checklist of what you need to have ready at the border
At the time of writing this article, here is what is required to enter Canada when arriving at the border:
- A negative COVID-19 test result from within 72 hours of your flight
- A self-isolation plan that includes contact information for someone who can check in on you during your self-isolation period, as well as a list of places you will isolate (e.g., your home, hotel room, etc.)
- Proof of vaccination (unless exempt)
- An up-to-date passport
- A travel insurance policy that covers COVID-19
- Enough money to cover your expenses during your trip, as well as any unexpected costs that may arise
- A list of local resources that you can use in case of an emergency (e.g., a hospital, doctor, embassy, etc.)
Pre-entry testing (accepted types, timing)
All travellers entering Canada must have a negative COVID-19 test result from within 72 hours of their flight. Any of the following tests are accepted:
- A PCR test
- An antigen test
- A LAMP test
- A NASBA test
Tests must be taken within 72 hours of your flight. If you’re unable to get a test within that timeframe, you may be able to take a test at the airport upon arrival.
However, this is only possible if you’re flying into one of the following airports:
- Calgary International Airport
- Montréal–Trudeau International Airport
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Vancouver International Airport
If you’re arriving at another airport, you’ll need to have a negative test result before you board your flight.
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
If you test positive for COVID-19, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. You’ll need to isolate for 14 days and follow the instructions of local public health authorities.
You may also be required to take a second test upon arrival in Canada, even if you have a negative result from your original test.
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate immediately and contact a healthcare professional.
Mandatory use of ArriveCAN (account, proof, help)
All travellers entering Canada are required to use the ArriveCAN app to submit their travel and contact information, as well as their self-isolation plan.
You can create an account and submit your information before you leave for Canada, or you can do it upon arrival.
If you’re submitting your information upon arrival, you’ll need to have proof of your negative COVID-19 test result and a list of places where you will isolate.
Quarantine requirements (location, length, exceptions)
All travellers entering Canada must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. You must stay in the place where you will isolate for the entire 14 days, and you can only leave that place for essential reasons (e.g., to get food or medical care).
There are some exceptions to these requirements. For example, essential workers and certain family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents are exempt from the quarantine requirement.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify for an exemption, contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Arrival tests
All travellers entering Canada will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival. If you have any symptoms, you may be required to take a COVID-19 test.
You may also be asked to show proof of your negative COVID-19 test result and your self-isolation plan.
Self-isolation requirements (length, activities, visitors)
If you’re entering Canada, you must self-isolate for 14 days. This means staying in the place where you will isolate for the entire 14 days, and only leaving that place for essential reasons (e.g., to get food or medical care).
During your self-isolation period, you should not have any visitors and you should avoid public places. You should also monitor your symptoms and take your temperature daily.
If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate immediately and contact a healthcare professional.
What to do if you have symptoms
If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate immediately and contact a healthcare professional.
You may also be required to take a COVID-19 test. If you test positive for the virus, you’ll need to isolate for 14 days and follow the instructions of local public health authorities.
Travel between provinces and territories
You can travel between provinces and territories, but you may need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in a new province or territory.
You should check the travel advisories for the provinces and territories you’re planning to visit before you go.
In addition to the national requirements, each province and territory has its own requirements and restrictions in place.
You should check the travel advisories for the provinces and territories you’re planning to visit before you go, and follow the instructions of local authorities when you’re there.
Travel planning considerations
When you’re planning your trip to Canada, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check the travel advisories for the countries you’re planning to visit
- Make sure you have a valid passport and any other required documents
- Check with your airline or travel provider to see if there are any restrictions in place
- If you’re entering Canada from the United States, you must have a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of your arrival
- If you’re entering Canada from anywhere else, you should check the requirements of the province or territory you’re planning to visit
- Contact your healthcare provider to see if you need any vaccinations or other medical treatments before you travel
- Get travel insurance that covers you for medical expenses and cancellations
- Make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses while you’re away
- Pack a travel health kit, including items like hand sanitizer, face masks, and medication
Children or dependents
If you’re traveling with children or dependents, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Children under the age of 5 are exempt from the self-isolation requirements
- If you’re entering Canada with children, you must have a negative COVID-19 test result for each child
- Check the travel advisories for the provinces and territories you’re planning to visit, as they may have additional requirements in place
- Contact your healthcare provider to see if your children need any vaccinations or other medical treatments before you travel
FAQs
What are the entry requirements for Canada?
All travelers entering Canada must have a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of their arrival. They must also complete a self-isolation plan and submit it to the Canadian government.
What are the self-isolation requirements for Canada?
All travelers entering Canada must self-isolate for 14 days. This means staying in the place where you will isolate for the entire 14 days, and only leaving that place for essential reasons (e.g., to get food or medical care).
During your self-isolation period, you should not have any visitors and you should avoid public places. You should also monitor your symptoms and take your temperature daily.
What are the most popular tourist destinations in Canada?
Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada include Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and the CN Tower.
What are the top things to know about Canadian culture?
Some of the things that are considered part of Canadian culture include hockey, maple syrup, and poutine. Canadian culture is also known for being polite and friendly.
What are the best tips for traveling to Canada on a budget?
Some tips for traveling to Canada on a budget include staying in hostels, using public transportation, and eating at affordable restaurants.
What are the best tips for traveling to Canada with children?
Some tips for traveling to Canada with children include packing a travel health kit, checking the travel advisories for the provinces and territories you’re planning to visit, and contacting your healthcare provider to see if your children need any vaccinations or other medical treatments before you travel.
What are the most common mistakes tourists make when visiting Canada?
Some of the most common mistakes tourists make when visiting Canada include not being prepared for the cold weather, not packing a travel health kit, and not checking the travel advisories for the provinces and territories they’re planning to visit.
What are the top things to avoid doing in Canada?
Some of the things to avoid doing in Canada include littering, jaywalking, and smoking in public places.
What are the biggest cultural differences between Canada and the United States?
Some of the biggest cultural differences between Canada and the United States include the way people dress, the way they speak, and the food they eat. Canadians are also known for being more polite and reserved than Americans.
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