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Confused about proof-of-vaccination requirements for travel? Your questions answered

The federal government's requirement for proof-of-vaccination to travel domestically starts oct. 30.

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This week, the federal government announced that as of Oct. 30 , all travellers boarding a plane, train or marine vessel in Canada will need proof of full vaccination  against COVID-19.

"Fully vaccinated" is defined as a full series of a Health Canada-approved vaccine, with the last dose having been administered at least 14 days prior to the day of travel. A combination of approved shots is also acceptable.

There will be a period of transition through November for people who are in the process of getting fully vaccinated, but eventually, to travel by air, rail or water in Canada, or from Canada to international destinations on Canadian airlines, full vaccination will be required.

That prompted some questions from you. 

Will the government allow a 3rd shot for those who have mixed vaccines so they can fulfil November travel plans?

For domestic travel, your two mixed doses of Health Canada-approved vaccines are fine and entirely acceptable. 

Travelling internationally is not as straightforward, as countries have their own specific rules with respect to entry, vaccination status and whether a quarantine is required.

Right now, the Canadian government still advises against any unessential travel  outside of Canada. But many Canadians have travelled to the U.S., which sometime in November will have its own requirement for entrants to be fully vaccinated.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced late Friday that the United States will accept international visitors inoculated with  COVID -19 vaccines authorized by U.S. regulators or the World Health Organization , which includes vaccines that were administered in Canada but not in the U.S., such as Oxford-AstraZeneca. 

While it's unclear whether that includes mixed doses, the CDC said it would release "additional guidance and information as the travel requirements are finalized."

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has not yet recommended a third shot simply for the ability of international travel. 

But some provinces have moved ahead on that front. Saskatchewan , Alberta and Quebec  announced in the summer that they would offer a third shot to people whose vaccines weren't recognized internationally.

This week,  Manitoba announced it would also offer a 3rd shot of an mRNA vaccine to anyone who got a full mixed series, or two doses of AstraZeneca, or one dose of Janssen. 

"We don't recommend a booster shot for international travel," Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead of Manitoba's vaccine task force said during a briefing Wednesday. "What we did instead is just make a third dose available for travellers where they are not allowed to go to certain destinations because that destination doesn't recognize what they received here."

• Fully vaccinated and ready to travel abroad? You might still face hurdles

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, said late last month that the government continues to engage with other countries about accepting a mixed vaccine dose; those talks are still ongoing.

It is up to any individual country to decide what qualifies as "fully vaccinated" when it comes to allowing foreigners to enter. 

"We've been presenting our data, for example, in the vaccine effectiveness of the mixed dose schedule such as AstraZeneca followed by mRNA vaccines," Tam said Sept. 24 in Ottawa.

• U.S. vaccination requirement for air passengers worries Canadians with mixed vaccines
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She added that progress may be quicker when it comes to European countries because some of them have also used the mixed-dosing schedules. 

"But we still have to advise travellers that they must check in with the specific country requirements prior to travel because it is a bit of a varied landscape out there," she said.

Will the new rules mean that we won't need a negative COVID-19 test three days before a flight within Canada anymore?

There will be a short period of time when individuals who are in the process of being vaccinated will be able to travel domestically if they can show a negative COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of their travel date. 

But that period will end Nov. 30.

After that, showing a negative COVID-19 test to travel within Canada — rather than proof-of-vaccination — will no longer be an option.

"By the end of November, if you're 12 or older and want to fly or take the train, you'll have to be fully vaccinated as will staff," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during a briefing Wednesday on the new rules. "Testing will no longer be an option before boarding."

For international travel, the rules around pre-flight testing remain unchanged .

International travellers coming to Canada still need to show a negative molecular COVID-19 test that was done within 72 hours of their flight departure time. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. 

WATCH | Justin Trudeau lays out the new proof-of-vaccination rules: 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces new vaccine mandate

I got a vaccine not approved in canada. can i get another set of vaccines so i can travel .

Eligibility for a new set of vaccines is at the discretion of each province or territory, as they are responsible for vaccine eligibility and distribution.

Many do currently offer an additional shot to individuals already vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine not approved by Health Canada, including Manitoba , Ontario , and  Nova Scotia .

It is recommended that anyone who received a COVID-19 vaccine not approved in Canada contact their local health authority for information about getting a Health Canada-approved vaccine. 

What about people who have recovered from COVID? 

Recovery from COVID-19 is unlikely to get you an exemption from the need to be fully vaccinated to travel domestically. 

"For the vast, vast majority of people, the rules are very simple — to travel, you've got to be vaccinated," Trudeau said during the same briefing.

"If you haven't gotten your shots yet but want to travel this winter, let me be clear, there will only be a few extremely narrow exceptions, like a valid medical condition."

He said the government is working with Health Canada to define those exemptions, but warned they will be onerous to obtain. 

"Let me say that simply having a personal conviction that vaccines are bad will not be nearly enough to qualify for an exemption."

Right now, the government does not recognize travellers to Canada who have recovered from COVID-19 and had only one dose of a vaccine to be "fully vaccinated."

According to its information page on travel , "If you have recovered from COVID-19, you still need a full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or combination of accepted vaccines." 

WATCH | Are these new rules legal?

Are the government's new travel rules legal?

How long will these measures will be put in place .

The government did not say. It will be up to the federal government to lift any national COVID-19 restrictions or regulations.

Clarifications

• B.C. has been taken off the list of provinces that offer third doses of COVID-19 vaccines so people can travel. Third doses are not available to the general population for travel in the province. Oct 13, 2021 11:59 AM ET

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More Canadian provinces now require vaccine passports - here's what to know before traveling

Sep 15, 2021 • 6 min read

Vaccine passports are increasingly required across Canada © Marc Dufresne/Getty Images/iStock

Ontario  and British Columbia  are the latest Canadian provinces to mandate vaccine passports as a condition of entry to restaurants, entertainment and leisure venues. It comes a week after  Canada opened to fully vaccinated international travelers as it further relaxed its COVID-19 border rules. 

Now the doors are open, tourists are gradually returning to explore Canada's cities, national parks, mountains, islands and forests after months of shutdowns. But across the country, public health policies are returning as provinces see an uptick in COVID-19 cases. So before you dig out your passport and jump online to book flights, here are some things to consider while planning a trip there.

Traveling to Canada? Here's what you need

The main requirement to enter Canada is for travelers to be fully vaccinated. Canada currently accepts the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines from visitors. Those who are vaccinated can travel safely two weeks after their final dose, or two weeks after their one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Travelers will also be required to present a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken within 72 hours of their departure—regardless of their vaccination status—and must present the results before boarding their flight. They're also asked to provide their proof of vaccination, test results and contact information through the ArriveCAN mobile app , a web-based form or a paper form, within three days of departure, and some may be randomly selected to a screening at the border to assess their potential risk to public health.

If your proof of vaccination is in a language other than English or French, you must obtain a certified translation into English or French and upload this certified translation in place of the original document.

Can unvaccinated children visit Canada?

Fully vaccinated parents or guardians will be allowed to bring unvaccinated children under 12 years of age to Canada, but those children will still be required to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

Read more: Do I need a visa to visit Canada?

Will I have to quarantine when I arrive in Canada?

No, fully vaccinated travelers won’t need to quarantine upon their arrival. However, the government advised visitors to have a two-week quarantine plan in place in case officials determine they don’t meet all of Canada’s pandemic border requirements.

Read more: Why do I need to have a "suitable quarantine plan" to travel to Canada?

Current COVID-19 rules in Canada

Province entry rules.

Lockdowns began to lift in late spring, but with the Delta variant circulating widely some public health measures are in place and generally vary between provinces and territories, so check the government’s resource page for destination-specific information. Newfoundland and Labrador , for example, require visitors to fill in an additional travel form before their trip, as does Nova Scotia (see here ). Also, it's important to be aware that some Indigenous communities are not accepting visitors at this time.

Read more: 15 best places to visit in Canada

Vaccine passports

Hotels have reopened with enhanced cleaning protocols, and in some regions restaurants and bars are also welcoming guests for both outdoor and indoor service, though some have strict entry rules in place. In Québec and Manitoba , for instance, customers must show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, bars, gyms, concerts, sporting events and movie theaters.

In British Columbia, people must be at least partially vaccinated (one dose) to enter restaurants, bars, nightclubs, gyms, and any indoor ticketed sporting event or concert with more than 50 people. That rule came into effect on September 13 and by October 24 the rules will be tightened again and you will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses) to enter the same venues .

From September 22, proof of vaccination will be required to enter similar venues in Ontario. Those eligible for a vaccine certificate must have both doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, which will allow them to dine and drink indoors and visit sporting events, cinemas and theaters. 

Businesses in Edmonton are requiring patrons show proof of vaccination before entering their premises but the Alberta government has so far refused to implement a province-wide mandate. Gyms, restaurants, theatres, and clubs are among the businesses in the city introducing vaccine passports, according to CBC .

Children under 12 are generally exempt from vaccine passport rules. International tourists are permitted to show the proof of vaccination they used to enter Canada at venues where vaccine passports are required, along with their passports as a form of ID.

By the end of October, proof of vaccination will be required from passengers to board any domestic flight, interprovincial train or cruise ship.

Mask mandates

Some provinces have reinstated mask mandates including Alberta , British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Québec. Saskatchewan has dropped its mask mandate, and even though masks are not required in New Brunswick , Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, they're still encouraged. So it's a good idea to pack a mask regardless of where you're traveling to in Canada as you'll need it for your flight, and rules may change suddenly so that it may be required on public transport and in some public spaces anyway.

Tourist attractions

Cultural spaces like museums and theaters in some provinces are limiting the number of people allowed at a time, installing physical barriers, and increasing their ventilation systems, among other preventative measures. Always plan ahead before visiting as you may need to book tickets in advance to gain entry.

If you're after Canada's famous outdoor adventure activities and extreme sports, you'll be happy to know that most of the major parks are open but be aware that access to some visitor sites may be limited. According to Parks Canada, "only those places where measures can be implemented to minimize health and safety risks will be open to the public. Changes to services or even closures may happen quickly as the situation with COVID-19 changes." Plan your visit and check the latest updates for your destination here .

Niagara Falls is open for viewing in Queen Victoria Park and most attractions in the area are open, as well as shuttles, restaurants and accommodation. Most hiking and cycling trails in Banff National Park are open for day use and many of the park’s campgrounds are accepting guests.

Skiing and snowboarding season is likely to be impacted by COVID-19 variants but we'll update this article as we know more. In the meantime, always plan ahead and check the latest public health advice in Canada as rules vary and can change with little notice.

This article was first published in August 2020 and updated on September 15, 2021.

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What you need to know about Canada's updated vaccine rules for domestic travel

As of Nov. 30, the transition period allowing for a negative COVID-19 test from those looking to travel by plane, train or ship in Canada will end, meaning all travellers must be fully vaccinated before boarding and provide proof of that.

The travel rules, which were announced by the federal government at the beginning of October , officially came into effect Oct. 30. However, there was a month-long transition period that allowed those who don't qualify as fully vaccinated to travel if they can show a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of travel.

Starting Tuesday at 3:01 a.m. EST, a negative COVID-19 test will no longer be accepted as an alternative to vaccination.

This means that if you cannot prove that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will not be allowed to board. Travel Canada says there will be "very limited exemptions" to this rule, such as medical inability to be vaccinated.

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

Other rules implemented earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic for travellers, including mandatory masks, health check questions, and negative test requirements for international travellers, remain in place.

While airlines were selecting travellers departing from a Canadian airport on a random basis —  as per Transport Canada guidelines  — to show evidence of COVID-19 vaccination during the transition period, both Air Canada and WestJet have told CTVNews.ca that they will have a system in place as of Nov. 30 for customers to submit their proof of vaccination online ahead of arrival at an airport.

Along with adding three new countries to its travel ban for foreign nationals who have been to these regions in the past 14 days, the federal government announced on Nov. 30 additional requirements for air travellers arriving in Canada, with the exception of the United States, in response to concerns over the Omicron variant.

All air travellers who are vaccinated must be tested at the airport once they arrive in Canada and isolate until they receive a negative result, while those who are unvaccinated must isolate for 14 days and get tested on the first and eighth days of their quarantine. Those with a safe place to isolate will not need to spend their isolation in a government quarantine hotel.

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said this new requirement is set to come into effect “over the next few days.”

In a statement, Mike McNaney, president and CEO of the National Airlines Council of Canada , which represents Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP and WestJet, said the aviation sector will “move rapidly to implement the temporary measures” announced by the federal government.

“It is expected the new measures will be adjusted as further study is carried out on the variant, and that the impact on the relaunch of the travel and tourism sector will be manageable,” McNaney said.

“However, the economic uncertainty facing aviation cannot be overstated. As the variant is reviewed by public health authorities, we expect the government will move forward through science and data based decision making, tied to clear metrics.”

RULES FOLLOWING TRANSITION PERIOD

According to the Government of Canada , anyone who is 12 years of age plus four months or older will need to provide proof that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In order to board, all travellers must have received their second dose at least 14 days before their departure date.

The rules apply to anyone who is travelling by plane on domestic or international flights departing from most Canadian airports, and rail passengers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains.

A COVID-19 test will not be needed to board a flight or train in Canada, unless flying to a country that requires one.

“If you indicate to your airline or railway company that you're eligible to board, but fail to provide proof of vaccination or valid COVID-19 test result, you won’t be allowed to travel and could face penalties or fines,” Transport Canada said in a notice online .

If a child has just turned 12, there is a four-month exemption period following their 12th birthday in which they will not be required to be vaccinated. Travel Canada noted that this gives children the time to receive both shots of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Unvaccinated children under 12-years-old and four months do not require a COVID-19 test to travel within or depart Canada, although international destinations may have different requirements.

"Any adjustments to travel measures will continue to be examined, based on scientific evidence, public health advice, and the evolving epidemiological situation, as has been the case since the onset of the pandemic," Transport Canada said in email on Nov. 24.

PROOF OF VACCINATION

Provinces and territories issue and use the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination that is acceptable for travel.

The federal government says Canadians should be ready at any point in their journey to show their proof of vaccination.

If you plan to show your proof of vaccination on your phone, the government recommends travellers carry a backup paper copy in case of "difficulties," such as the device having a dead battery.

The government notes that the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination does not guarantee entry into another country, and says travellers should check if there are any restrictions at their final destination before travelling abroad.

For those who do not have Canadian documents, their proof of vaccination must include the following information:

• full name of the person who received the vaccine;
• the name of the government or organization that issued the proof or administered the vaccine;
• the brand name or manufacturer of the vaccine or of the mix of accepted vaccines
• the date you received your second dose or your first dose of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson

If your proof of vaccination is not in English or French, you will need a certified translation in either of these languages.

WHICH VACCINES ARE ACCEPTED?

Those 12-years-old plus four months or older will have to provide proof that they have received both doses of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine series or a mix of two accepted vaccines.

The rules specify, though, that you must have received the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to your departure date.

Currently, travellers will be permitted to board if they have received the Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax), AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) or Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

The federal government announced earlier this month that travellers who have received the Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covaxin COVID-19 vaccines will be  considered fully vaccinated for travel purposes  by Nov. 30, matching the COVID-19 vaccines approved for use by the World Health Organization.

Canadians are allowed to travel if they have received at least one dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine, as long as they received the shot 14 days before their travel date.

RE-ENTRY TEST REQUIREMENTS

As of Nov. 30, fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents returning home after short trips to the United States and abroad will no longer have to provide proof of a negative molecular test, such as a PCR test.

The federal government announced Nov. 19 that it would be lifting the molecular test requirement for travellers who have received a complete COVID-19 vaccine series when returning to Canada after less than 72 hours.

However, a molecular test is still required for re-entry of those taking trips abroad lasting more than 72 hours.

CRUISE SHIPS

The proof of vaccination rules also apply to travellers looking to board a cruise ship in Canada, once those trips resume.

Transport Canada says anyone boarding a cruise ship or other passenger vessel where the trip will last more than 24 hours will need to show proof of vaccination.

While the federal government has lifted the global advisory asking Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside the country, it is continuing to advise against travel on cruise ships .

FLY-IN COMMUNITY EXEMPTION

Those living in fly-in communities will be exempt from the vaccine travel requirement for certain domestic trips.

According to the government's new rules, passengers from small or remote communities who are unvaccinated will still be able to obtain essential services for their medical, health or social well-being, and return safely to their homes.

With files from CTVNews.ca's Hannah Jackson

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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

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Canada Lifts Covid Vaccine Mandate For International Travelers

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Canada will drop its Covid-19 vaccine requirement for visitors entering the country starting October 1, officials announced Monday, reopening the Canadian border to unvaccinated travelers for the first time since the worldwide coronavirus vaccination campaign began.

Canada will lift its Covid vaccine requirement for travel on October 1.

Canadian and foreign travelers will no longer need to submit proof of vaccination or pre-travel testing or go into quarantine or isolation upon entering the country starting Saturday.

In a statement on Monday, Canada’s Public Health Agency said the country is lifting the requirements due to its high vaccination rate along with low coronavirus hospitalization and death rates, increased availability of vaccine boosters and rapid tests, and the peak of the BA.4 and BA.5 coronavirus waves passing.

The move comes one week after Canadian members of Parliament and border-city mayors wrote a letter calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden to lift “unnecessary” travel restrictions that they argue have hurt border cities even as “both countries have largely returned to normal daily life.”

Canada now joins a list of 85 countries and territories without Covid-19 entry requirements, following similar moves by Japan last month, as well as Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Argentina and Chile.

Non-U.S. citizens traveling into the United States by air, sea or land still need to be fully vaccinated under U.S. policy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires full vaccination (not including a booster dose) for non-U.S. citizens before boarding a flight, with limited exceptions for children under 18, people traveling for foreign government work and people with certain medical conditions that prevent them from receiving a vaccine.

Key Background

Covid-19 cases in Canadian provinces are well below their January peak, and Covid-related hospitalizations are also on the decline, according to government data . Roughly 85.4% of Canadians have received at least one dose of the vaccine, while 82% (31.39 million) have completed their primary dose series. Despite the high vaccination rate, Canadian officials had come under fire for strict vaccine mandates at the country’s border with the United States, most notably in January, when truck drivers unhappy with the vaccine rules protested across the country and formed a disruptive blockade in Ottawa. Trudeau invoked emergency measures to disband the blockade. Prior to Monday’s announcement, Canada had required full primary vaccination for non-Canadian citizens entering the country, with only a few exceptions for workers like fishermen, as well as people coming for medical treatment, people with medical conditions and people coming for funerals.

What To Watch For

Canada’s Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos thanked Canadians for high vaccination rates, but said “we expect Covid-19 and other respiratory viruses will continue to circulate over the cold months.” He urged people to get vaccine booster shots and “exercise individual public health measures.”

Further Reading

Border vaccine rules, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, mask mandates on planes, trains end Oct. 1 (CBC)

Canada To Drop Vaccine Requirement, Make ArriveCan Optional For Travelers (Forbes)

Canada to remove all COVID travel restrictions from Oct 1 (Reuters)

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Canada Drops Vaccine Requirements, Visitors No Longer Need To Quarantine

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After two years Canada is finally allowing Americans who are unvaccinated into the country without quarantining. And making it simpler for vaccinated travelers as well.

On September 30th Canada will lift its vaccine requirements for visitors. Also on September 30th, Canada will end random COVID arrival tests and make it optional for visitors to use the ArriveCan app. However, everyone will be required to continue to wear masks on planes to and from Canada as well as public transportation.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been under pressure by voters and politicians to lift restrictions. The opposing party’s Pierre Poilivere has been campaigning for Canada to drop the ArriveCan app and lift all COVID restrictions.

Since March of 2020, the U.S.-Canada border has been shut down since the start of the pandemic. In August 2021 Canada reopened its border but Canada’s restrictions and enforcement had many differences from the United States’ policies.

The U.S. and Canada both require foreign visitors to be vaccinated to enter the country. However, Canada will allow unvaccinated travelers to enter the country under the requirement that the visitor must quarantine for 14 days. At the moment, foreign travelers that are vaccinated must upload their COVID-19 documentation through the ArriveCan app before entering Canada.

Canadian and U.S. officials have petitioned Trudeau and Biden to lift border restrictions and restore their policies to a pre-pandemic state.  Also, current restrictions are hurting the economies of those communities along the borders.

There is also push from business leaders and government officials in the United States to lift COVID-19 restrictions. As the restrictions are also affecting local economies and communities in the U.S. as well. Only time will tell if the U.S. will follow in Canada’s lead to restore policies to pre-pandemic times.

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What to Know About Testing and Vaccine Requirements for Travel

Do you need to be vaccinated or have a negative Covid-19 test for your next trip? Check this guide before traveling domestically or abroad.

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By Concepción de León

As vaccinations ramp up and regulations loosen for people in the United States, many are planning travel for summer and beyond, with experts predicting that July 4 will be the biggest travel weekend since the beginning of the pandemic.

But with regulations shifting, people might have questions about testing or vaccination requirements for their trips. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently eased travel recommendations to more than 100 countries. On June 18, the European Union added the United States to its “safe list” of countries , meaning that both vaccinated and unvaccinated American travelers should now be able to visit the 27 member countries, but these member states are allowed to set their own requirements and restrictions for travelers.

In the United States, the C.D.C. has advised that vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks in most places and released new travel guidelines that said domestic travel is safe for them. But travelers must take note of local advice and regulations, as these can vary state by state.

Here’s everything you need to consider about testing and vaccinations before you travel within the U.S. or internationally.

Are there testing and vaccination requirements for domestic travel?

For most places, no. You do not need to be vaccinated for any domestic travel. Hawaii is the only state that requires a negative test for travel.

In Hawaii, the test must be administered within 72 hours of arrival and the results uploaded to its Safe Travel platform to avoid a mandatory quarantine when entering the state.

Alternatively in Hawaii, you can also provide proof that you’ve recovered from Covid-19 in the past 90 days, including both a positive test result and a letter from a doctor clearing you to travel.

The state’s governor, David Ige, said this month that people who received their vaccination in the state of Hawaii may bypass testing and quarantine requirements starting on June 15, and that anyone vaccinated in the U.S. will be able to enter Hawaii without testing once the state has reached a 60 percent vaccination rate.

If you are unvaccinated, you should continue to adhere to social distancing and mask-wearing protocols while traveling domestically, the C.D.C. said . You can use the C.D.C.’s Travel Planner to check guidelines by state.

What are the testing and vaccination rules for international travel?

While testing and vaccination requirements vary by destination country, everyone arriving in the U.S. — even vaccinated Americans — must present a negative test result upon entry .

Many nations are still closed to American travelers. Those that are open may require a negative test, proof of vaccination or evidence of recovery (or a combination of these) to enter.

The United Kingdom , for instance, requires that American travelers, regardless of vaccination status, provide proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours of departure, quarantine upon arrival and take two additional tests during their stay. Children under 11 are exempt from these requirements, as are some other people depending on their reason for travel.

Some European countries have been allowing in Americans who are vaccinated or who can show a negative test. Americans are on the European Union’s “safe list” of countries, but while the bloc aims to take a coordinated approach to travel this summer, member states will be allowed to set their own requirements for travelers from individual countries, which could include testing and vaccination.

The E.U. “safe list” also applies to Europe’s border-free Schengen Zone, which includes non-E.U. countries such as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Lichtenstein.

Canada is still closed to Americans , with few exceptions, and will remain so until at least early July, said Patty Hajdu, the country’s minister of health, in a news conference in June.

The U.S.-Mexico land border is closed for nonessential travel until at least June 21, but air travel is allowed and the country does not require a negative test for entry. Because of its high risk level, the C.D.C. recommends that travelers be fully vaccinated before traveling to Mexico.

Consult the C.D.C.’s inventory of international travel health notices for more information on regulations by country.

“Travelers should always check with their airline and the embassy of the country they are visiting to ensure they have the proper documentation required to enter the country,” said Perry Flint, a spokesman for The International Air Transport Association, a global airline industry group.

What test should I take, and where and when?

To enter the U.S., travelers must show a negative result to a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) — PCR is a type of NAAT test — or an antigen test, also known as a rapid test, taken in the three days before departure, according to the C.D.C .

Some airports offer on-site testing, such as Heathrow Airport in England, or Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport in Italy.

Josh Alexander, a New York-based luxury travel agent for Protravel International, said that many international hotels, including most Four Seasons hotels and resorts , are offering on-site rapid tests for free or at a nominal cost.

Testing at local clinics is also available in many places, though you should check availability at your destination ahead of time and book if you can. It may also come at a high cost. Mr. Alexander said that PCR tests abroad can range from $50 to $150.

The C.D.C. said that it allows for a three-day time frame rather than 72 hours to allow flexibility in the time of day the test can be taken. For instance, if you are flying out on a Friday, the test may be taken at any time on Tuesday.

But, when it comes to international destinations, Mr. Alexander recommends erring on the side of caution when timing your test by calculating it based on time of arrival at your destination.

“Rules are constantly changing,” he said, “so we’re just trying to always tell people they should always be as conservative as possible to eliminate any gray area.”

What are the requirements for minors?

The C.D.C. testing recommendations apply to all children 2 years and older, which means your toddler also needs to deliver a negative Covid-19 test to enter the U.S. from abroad. When traveling, children should wear masks, practice social distancing and wash hands often, the C.D.C. said .

“If the kids are age 12 and older, get ’em vaccinated,” said William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, in an email.

If you’re traveling to a country within the European Union that is open to travelers from the U.S., children who cannot be vaccinated should have a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival at your destination, and additional testing may be required upon arrival.

Travelers should check with their airline or destination country website for relevant requirements.

What if I want to go on a cruise?

Rules vary from one cruise line to another, with some planning to require that all passengers and crew be vaccinated, and others adopting a hybrid model.

But recent laws passed in Florida and Texas banning businesses from requiring proof of vaccination to use their services may complicate this plan.

Celebrity Cruises, set to be the first U.S. cruise ship to restart operations on June 26 from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said it’s optimistic that a resolution would be reached in time . It is requiring that guests 16 years and older be vaccinated, while children will be tested at the terminal.

Carnival Cruises said on Monday that its first ship would set sail from the Port of Galveston, in Texas, on July 3 and would be available only for vaccinated passengers. Norwegian, which will begin to operate cruises from Miami in August, said it will require the same through October 31 and has threatened to skip Florida ports if the state does not allow cruise lines an exemption from the law banning vaccine requirements.

Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement on June 7 that “the current CDC requirements for cruising with a guest base that is unvaccinated will make it very difficult to deliver the experience our guests expect, especially given the large number of families with younger children who sail with us.”

“As a result, our alternative is to operate our ships from the U.S. during the month of July with vaccinated guests,” she said.

But even if you are vaccinated, you must also consider the requirements of the country where the cruise is disembarking. The Caribbean island of St. Maarten, for instance, where Celebrity Cruises started sailing on June 5, requires a negative test in addition to proof of vaccination.

What documents should I bring with me if I travel?

This will also depend on where you’re going, but a good rule of thumb is to carry your physical vaccine card, if you have it, and proof of a negative test, if it is required.

Mr. Alexander, the travel agent, recommends people bring the original documents. While a number of digital health certificates — which show vaccine status and test results — are in the works, he said, they are not yet widely accepted. You should check, also, that your document is in the correct language. The United Kingdom , for instance, requires that test results be in English, Spanish or French.

CommonPass , from the Geneva-based nonprofit the Commons Project Foundation, and the I.A.T.A. Travel Pass are two apps providing digital access to vaccine and testing records for travel. The European Union will be releasing its own digital Covid certificate for E.U. citizens by July 1, though it is unclear whether Americans will be able to use it.

You should check with your airline to see if the app you want to use will be accepted at your destination. Both the CommonPass and I.A.T.A. websites list destinations and airline partners accepting the digital health certificates.

Mr. Alexander added that some countries, such as Croatia, may also require proof of a return flight or confirmation of your hotel booking or other accommodation, though this is rare. In South Africa, which has implemented a curfew, travelers may need to show their flight ticket to law enforcement officers to show they are allowed to be in transit.

But these shifting regulations should not dissuade people from traveling, Mr. Alexander said.

“If you’re vaccinated and you’re following safe precautions, you can still have a great experience,” he said.

Concepción de León is a travel reporter based in New York. More about Concepción de León

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Learn about CDC’s Traveler Genomic Surveillance Program that detects new COVID-19 variants entering the country.  

Sign up to get travel notices, clinical updates, & healthy travel tips.

See the full list of  Travel Health Notices , including:

Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions

• Updated   Chikungunya in Timor-Leste April 05, 2024
• Yellow Fever in Nigeria March 28, 2024
• Diphtheria in Guinea March 20, 2024

Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions

• Global Measles March 22, 2024
• Western Equine Encephalitis Virus in South America March 14, 2024
• Dengue in the Americas February 28, 2024

There are no Warning , Alert, Watch, COVID-19 Very High, COVID-19 High, COVID-19 Moderate, COVID-19 Low, COVID-19 Unknown, Level 4, or Level 3 notices currently in effect.

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COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders

Return or travel to canada.

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

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

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

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

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

Travelling in and out of Canada

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

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

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

Situation in Canada

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

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

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Canada set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Canada’s High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK Health Security Agency) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Travel to Canada

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for passengers entering Canada. Avoid travelling if you have symptoms of COVID-19. See the Government of Canada’s website for more information on COVID-19 and travel.

Public spaces and services

The Government of Canada recommends that all travellers wear a face mask on public transport.

You may be asked to wear a face mask indoors, such as in hospitals or on public transport. You may need proof of vaccination to visit settings such as care homes.

Local authorities in Canada can introduce restrictions or measures at short notice. Comply with the rules and advice of the local authorities. Check the COVID-19 guidance for each province and territory .

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Visa requirements

Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada – not both.

You do not need a visa for short visits (normally up to six months). You will need an eTA instead. Check entry requirements and find out if you need a visa or an eTA for your visit using this tool.

You may need to provide fingerprints and photos at a visa application centre to apply for permanent residence or a study or work permit. Find out if you need to give biometrics. If you do need to give biometrics, see the list of biometrics collection points .

When you arrive, you must show that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay, even if you are staying with family or friends.

Contact Canada’s High Commission in the UK if you are unsure about visa requirements or your eligibility to enter the country, for example, if you have a criminal record or have been arrested.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

You must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter or transit Canada by air, unless you’re exempt. Read the list of exemptions on the ETA website . If you enter Canada by land or sea, you don’t need an eTA. However, you must travel with acceptable travel documents and identification .

If you have British-Canadian dual nationality, you cannot apply for an eTA. You need a valid Canadian passport instead.

The eTA website has information about the eTA system and how to apply .

Visa and eTA scams

Some  unauthorised websites  charge for submitting visa applications. These websites are not associated with the Government of Canada.

If you think you may have been a victim of a scam, use the eTA Check Status tool to confirm if your eTA is valid. If it has been 72 hours since you applied, and you have not received a confirmation of your application, complete this enquiry form .

Transiting through Canada

You must have a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to transit Canada, unless you are exempt.

If you have questions, contact:

• your airline
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• your nearest Canadian high commission, embassy or consulate

Find out more about transiting Canada .

Travelling with children

If only one parent is present, carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language to see if there are any concerns about child abduction.

For further information, check with Canada’s High Commission in the UK or the Canada Border Services Agency .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be taken into - and out - of Canada . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Banned food products will be confiscated and you could be fined. Check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website for more information.

If you visited a farm, or had contact with wild animals before entering Canada, and intend to visit a farm during your stay, you must complete the relevant section in your Customs Declaration Card. For more information, see the Government of Canada’s website on biosecurity .

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Travel tips for snowbirds returning to Canada

From: Canada Border Services Agency

News release

April 12, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario

The Canada Border Services Agency and the Canadian Snowbird Association are encouraging Canadians who have spent the winter abroad to plan ahead for a smooth return to Canada this spring.

These are the top travel tips to know before arriving at the border:

Have your travel documents handy.  Whether travelling by land, air or water, you can help speed up processing times by coming prepared with your travel documents.

Driving home? Plan ahead and check  border wait times . You can avoid waiting in line by planning your drive to cross the border during non-peak hours such as early morning.

Flying home? Save time with Advance Declaration .  Download the application on your smart phone to make your customs declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada at the Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary and Edmonton international airports. Data shows that using this tool can reduce time at a kiosk or eGate by up to 50%.

Be prepared to declare your goods upon entry into Canada.  Gather your receipts for goods purchased or received while away before you travel and keep them readily available. Visit I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada and use the  CBSA duty and taxes estimator  to help calculate your monies owed. You should be aware of everything that is inside your vehicle as you are responsible for its contents.

Know your exemptions from duties and taxes .  If you have been outside of Canada seven days or more, you can import goods worth up to CAN$800, duty-and tax-free. Within this personal exemption, you are allowed to bring back duty and tax free: 

• Two bottles of wine (1.5 litres total), or one large standard bottle of liquor (1.14 litres),  or  approximately 24 cans or bottles (355 ml each) of beer (8.5 litres total); and,
• 200 cigarettes, and 50 cigars, and 200 grams manufactured tobacco,  and  200 tobacco sticks. The packages must be stamped “duty paid,” as you would find them at a duty-free store. 

Travelling with medication?  If you have a prescription for a narcotic or controlled drug, you must declare it and ensure its in properly labelled container. Learn more about your responsibilities .

Travelling with firearms? If you are travelling with a firearm be sure to check the  rules on importing firearms  and other  restricted and prohibited goods before your departure. Better yet, consider leaving the firearm at home.

Importing a vehicle ?   If you are a resident of Canada you can  temporarily import a vehicle  that is licensed and registered in the United States, however, the duty and tax implications, the length of time the vehicle can remain in Canada, and how the vehicle can be used in Canada may differ. If you are permanently importing a vehicle from the U.S. or Mexico, visit Canada’s  Registrar of Imported Vehicles  website prior to arriving at the border for details about vehicle eligibility and the overall process, including the necessary duties and taxes.

Bringing poultry across the border?  Any poultry products you wish to bring into Canada must be for human consumption, retail packaged and labelled as a "Product of the USA." Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada. Check the latest  Information for travellers: Restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States  before bringing these products across the border.

Travelling with a pet or importing an animal into Canada? You will need the right paperwork at the border to meet Canada's import requirements.

Not sure? Ask a border officer.  The best thing you can do to save time is to be open and honest with the CBSA officer. Be sure to follow all instructions they provide to you. If you are not sure about what to declare, don't hesitate to ask. Our officers are here to help!

Quick facts

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) supports national security and public safety priorities by facilitating the free flow of persons and goods, including animals and plants.

The Canadian Snowbird Association is a not-for-profit advocacy organization for travelling Canadians, representing more than 115,000 members.

Associated links

• Plan your trip across the border
• Duties and taxes estimator
• I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada
• Border reminder checklist
• Advance Declaration video
• The CBSA and U.S. CBP provide an update on the NEXUS program

For more information about CBSA programs, services and initiatives, please visit the  CBSA website  or contact:

Border Information Services Canada Border Services Agency 1-800-461-9999 Contact us online Live agents are available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm local time

For more information or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

Media Relations Canada Border Services Agency [email protected] 1-877-761-5945

Communications Canadian Snowbird Association [email protected]

For more travel tips for Canadian snowbirds, join the Canada Border Services Agency on  Facebook  and  YouTube  and visit the  Canadian Snowbird Association website .

Page details

Cultural News and Events

Cuba Tourist Board of Canada

• REQUIREMENTS FOR CANADIANS PASSENGERS TRAVELING TO CUBA (updated as of Nov 2, 2023)
• Travelling from Canada to Cuba, you just need a valid Canadian passport, if your passport is from another country, you need your Canadian resident card or a work or study permit that includes a multiple-entry permit attached to your passport. For Cuba, you need the tourist card (the tourist card is included in your plane ticket and is issued by the airline on board)
• All passengers arriving to Cuba from a direct flight from Canada, do not need to present a vaccination passport.
• Medical insurance is required for Cuba, medical insurance must cover any type of medical emergency including COVID-19, so in case of a medical emergency the tourist is responsible for paying the costs, for this reason, Cuba suggests having medical insurance for all types of medical emergencies including covid. If you are unable to obtain insurance in Canada, you can purchase medical insurance in Cuba at the airport or visit www.cubatravel.cu. For more information on what the insurance includes, contact the representative at the Insurance desk at the airport in Cuba.
• Since January 1, 2022, travelers must complete the customs and health declaration form, this is done online and the website to visit is: https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu . All travelers must complete this information online 48 hours before traveling to Cuba. Once the form is completed, you will receive a QR code by email. You must show an electronic or printed version of the QR code to the authorities upon arrival. If you have any problems and you can't fill out the form online because you don't have internet access, the printed form will be available on arrival at the airport in Cuba to fill it out.
• CURRENCY: The local currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). The convertible peso has been discontinued and is no longer accepted in Cuba. US and CAD dollars are  accepted anywhere in Cuba.  At tourist areas which includes hotels, restaurants and shopping malls, payment is only accepted with debit/visa cards or visa / mastercard credit cards from Canadian banks . Customers who do not have a credit card can buy a prepaid card in Cuba at the airport or at any money exchange kiosks at hotels . Payments outside the tourist areas are all in Cuban pesos (CUP); We recommend exchanging Canadian dollars for pesos as needed and only if you plan to travel OUTSIDE of tourist areas, since you will not be able to change the remaining pesos into Canadian dollars at the end of the holiday.

For additional information, please contact Cuba Tourist Board at:

E-mail: [email protected] TL : 416 362 0700

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Honourable Adrian Dix

Minister of Health and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs

Email: [email protected]

Translations

Information bulletin, media contacts, ministry of health.

• Visit Ministry Website

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Starting Monday, April 8, 2024, people in British Columbia will have access to a free spring COVID-19 vaccine booster to maintain and extend protection for themselves and their loved ones against serious illnesses from COVID-19.

The spring COVID-19 booster will be available throughout the province at pharmacies, regional health-authority clinics, some primary-care offices, and community health centres. This spring vaccine remains free and available for everyone six months and older.

Given the decreased rates of viral respiratory infections in the community, additional infection prevention and control measures implemented in fall 2023 in health-care settings are no longer required at all times. People are still encouraged to wear masks in health-care settings as appropriate, to continue to cover coughs and stay away from others when feeling sick. Health-care workers will continue to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as masks and respirators, in accordance with their point-of-care risk assessments.

While the peak of the respiratory illness season has passed, the SARS CoV-2 virus continues to circulate at lower levels in the community. The protection from infection that COVID-19 vaccines provide decreases over time, particularly in older people, so a spring COVID-19 vaccine booster will ensure people stay protected.

Aligned with advice from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, B.C. health officials recommend the following people consider receiving an additional dose of the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine:

• adults 65 and older;
• Indigenous adults 55 and older;
• adult residents of long-term care homes and assisted-living facilities (including those awaiting placement); and
• individuals six months and older who have been diagnosed as clinically extremely vulnerable (a CEV 1 or CEV 2 condition).

B.C.’s COVID-19 spring program is focused on providing vaccines to those most at risk of severe COVID-19 illness or complications, and people who have not yet received an updated vaccine dose. However, anyone who feels they would benefit from an additional dose of the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine can contact the call centre at 1 833 838-2323 to book an appointment or walk into a pharmacy where the vaccine is available. Vaccine appointment capacity is available in all regions.

The 2023-24 respiratory illness immunization campaign was launched to the general population on Oct. 10, 2023. As of end of day March 31, 2024, B.C. had administered 1,457,246 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and 1,562,023 doses of influenza vaccines.

Quick Facts:

• Invitations will start going out on Monday, April 8, 2024; reminders will be sent out to those who have not yet received an XBB.1.5 dose and to those who fit the listed categories.
• There are approximately 3.9 million people in B.C. who have not received a COVID-19 XBB.1.5 vaccine.
• B.C. has more than 900,000 doses of Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines (adult, infant and pediatric) in stock and approximately 13,000 doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in stock for those requiring a non-mRNA vaccine.

Learn More:

People who want a notification to book an appointment, or who are not yet registered, are encouraged to do so by visiting: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit:  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register#howto

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