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As COVID-19 restrictions gradually ease, many Canadians are planning to travel this summer. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a trip.
What are the latest changes?
Effective June 20, passengers no longer need to be fully vaccinated — with two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine or one of Johnson & Johnson’s — to board a plane or train in Canada.
The federal government is also lifting vaccination requirements for federally regulated workers, allowing airline and airport employees on unpaid leave because of their vaccination status to return to work.
Ottawa will bring back the mandates if the COVID-19 situation changes for the worse, according to Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc.
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist, has said it’s the “right time” to end the travel mandates, because they no longer serve their intended purpose of preventing COVID-19 transmission on transportation.
It’s reasonable for Ottawa to drop the COVID-19 vaccine mandates for travel, says infectious diseases specialist, Dr. Isaac Bogoch, noting two doses doesn’t prevent Omicron transmission.
What stays the same?
Vaccinated Canadians returning from abroad must still meet entry requirements, including using the ArriveCAN mobile app or desktop version to submit their travel- and COVID-19-related information within 72 hours before their arrival in Canada.
The unvaccinated must still meet additional testing and quarantine requirements or face a fine up to $5,000 or criminal prosecution.
Masks remain mandatory for those boarding planes or trains.
Will this fix the airport delays?
Some industry groups and politicians have blamed the recent chaos at some Canadian…
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