Starting Monday, travellers will no longer have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to board a plane or train in Canada.
In an announcement last week, the government unveiled plans to suspend vaccine mandates for both domestic and international travellers, as well as crown-regulated transportation workers and federal government employees.
It was well-received by some in the travel industry, as delays and massive lineups at major airports across Canada and around the world continue making headlines.
Other experts, however, warn the easing of COVID restrictions will do little to loosen airport congestion, and could, in fact, make it worse as the travel industry will still have to contend with staff shortages and hiring challenges.
Vaccinations for domestic and outbound travel
COVID-19 vaccination will no longer be a requirement in order for travellers to board a plane or train in Canada. This includes domestic and outbound international flights.
The federal announcement credited the “improved public health situation in Canada” as a key factor in the decision to remove vaccine mandates for travellers.
Thirty-two million eligible Canadians have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Vaccination rates and virus control in other countries varies significantly from ours, Canada says, and so foreign nationals travelling to Canada will still need to show proof of vaccination.
Foreign nationals who are not fully vaccinated continue to be prohibited entry into Canada, however unvaccinated foreign nationals will still be able to leave Canada on a flight or by train.
Unvaccinated Canadians returning to Canada are still required to quarantine for 14 days, unless they meet the specific criteria outlined by the federal government.
COVID testing for travellers
Canada has temporarily suspended mandatory random COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Canadian airports. The suspension will run out on June 30.
If you’re an unvaccinated traveller returning…
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