Reopening of Canada's borders: A how-to guide

Canada's borders were closed for months and months, and we don't want to think about it any more!

It's time to start planning your next Canadian vacation

But first, make sure you know the current requirements for entering the country: here is all the information available on travelling to Canada under the current situation.

Last updated : September 27th, 2022
 
:attention: emoji END OF COVID-19 MEASURES: Effective October 1st, 2022, the Government of Canada will be removing all COVID-19 measures at the border and for travel. To read the press release issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada, click here.

 

#1. Has Canada opened its borders?

Canadian border
Canada's borders are open to fully vaccinated travellers

Yes, as of September 7, 2021! 

However, only travellers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can enter Canada.

 

#2. Who can travel to Canada?

opening canadian borders
You must show proof of vaccination before boarding

International travellers who wish to visit Canada can enter the country provided they are fully vaccinated.
 

:fleche: emoji Fully vaccinated tourists

To be considered fully vaccinated, you must:

  • Have received two doses of a vaccine accepted in Canada (Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson&Johnson (Janssen)).
  • Have received the second dose at least 14 full days before entering Canada.


As of April 1st, 2022, a negative test result is not needed to enter Canada. You may still be selected for a random test on arrival at the airport in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver or Calgary. 

If you are selected and test positive, an isolation period of 10 days from receipt of your result will be required.

People who have had Covid must still receive their 2 vaccine doses if they wish to visit Canada.



:attention: emoji  Randomnly selected passengers will be subject to a COVID test upon arrival

  • It may be done at the airport or given as a take-away test
  • You do not have to quarantine while waiting for your results
  • You can still use public transportation to get to your quarantine place (i.e., you can board your connecting flight)


The number of random tests is set to be increased in the coming weeks to fight the transmission of the Omicron variant. 

 

:fleche: emoji Exceptions

Children under 12 can enter the country without proof of vaccination.

 

:fleche: emoji Quarantine

Fully vaccinated tourists are not required to quarantine unless they test positive on arrival. Note that Canadian airports may select fully vaccinated travellers for mandatory randomized testing on arrival.

 

#3. What documents are needed to travel to Canada?

restrictions for entry to Canada 2021
Make a list of the documents you will need so you don't forget anything

:fleche: emoji Proof of vaccination

To be allowed to board a plane to Canada, you must provide proof of vaccination.

This must be uploaded in the ArriveCan application, but you should bring printed copies as well.

Your proof of vaccination document may contain a QR code and must include:

  • Your first and last name.
  • The name of the organization that administered the vaccine.
  • The name of the vaccine and the date(s) of vaccination.

 

:fleche: emoji eTA

Travellers must obtain an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding a flight to Canada.  

The online application form can be found on the Government of Canada website (beware of fraudulent sites; an eTA only costs $7 CAN per person).

The form is easy to complete: all you will need is your passport to fill it out.

 

:fleche: emoji ArriveCAN

All travellers entering Canada by air, land or sea are required to use ArriveCAN.

ArriveCAN is a mobile app that you must download on your phone. 

You will need to submit, within 72 hours before your arrival in Canada, information such as:

  • Your contact information.
  • Travel details (flight number, arrival time, etc.).
  • Proof of vaccination.
  • Your quarantine plan (should you test positive on arrival).

 

#4. Health measures while in Canada

wearing a mask in Canada covid 19
Wearing a mask is mandatory in closed areas

Canada's borders may be open, but the virus continues to circulate.

You will therefore need to comply with the health measures put in place by the Canadian government.

Wearing a mask and showing a health pass will be required in many of the places you visit during your stay in Canada.
 

:fleche: emoji Vaccine passport

Travellers 13 years of age and older can enter places where the vaccine passport is required by showing the following two documents:

  • Photo ID
  • Official proof of vaccination against COVID-19 issued by their home country or Canadian province (QR code or printed copy)

 

:fleche: emoji Wearing a mask

In Canada, masks must be worn in all enclosed public places such as cafes, bars and restaurants (you can take them off once you are seated), libraries, museums, casinos, concert halls, public transportation, etc.

 

:fleche: emoji Outdoor activities

Park access fees must be paid online before visiting certain provincial and national parks (BC Parks, Alberta Parks, Ontario Parks, Parks Canada, Sépaq, etc).

Individual unorganized, non-contact outdoor activities are permitted in all regions.

Note that measures vary from one region and province to another and may change according to the situation.
We encourage you to consult the health measures in place in the province you are visiting for the latest information.

 

#5. What should I do if I don't feel well?
 

If you have flu-like or Covid-19-like symptoms, call 1 877 644-4545 (if you are in Quebec; otherwise call 811) to be directed to the appropriate service.

If you have difficulty breathing, go to the nearest emergency room.

If you need an ambulance, call 911 and tell them you have COVID-19-like symptoms.

Always contact your insurance company before seeking medical attention.


And that's all the latest news related to planning a trip to Canada!

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask them in the comments below.

Sarah Mazière

Travel, nature and road trips are an integral part of my recipe for happiness. I had the chance to travel the country coast to coast on several occasions, so it is with great pleasure that I share my experiences with you! Have a nice trip...

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4 comments

Robert March 2, 2022, 06h47
Hi Karolane,
Thank you for your reply, it was very useful. I have a further question regarding the random testing that could be done in Calgary. If unfortunately one of our party gets a positive result if tested at Calgary airport, could that person be told to quarantine in Calgary rather than getting the connecting flight to Vancouver?
If you are able to clarify this point it would be really helpful.
Answer
Karolane Lessard March 2, 2022, 17h09
Hi Robert,
Test results usually come within 1 to 3 days, you will already be in Vancouver, shall any of you test positive. Rapid tests are only distributed when they give out self-testing packages and in this case, you would have to use it when you reach your final destination. No one will be left behind in Calgary!
Answer
Robert February 28, 2022, 12h25
Thank you for the very clear summary of the requirements for entering Canada. I have a couple of questions that I hope you may be able to help me with:-
1. I had Covid whilst on holiday in Gran Canaria in January. I had a PCR test done by a local clinic and I have a PDF showing the positive test result. I don't have the original document because I was in quarantine and I didn't think to collect it from the clinic when I came out of quarantine. According to the Canada entry requirements, I believe I don't need to do a rapid antigen test because I've had Covid. However, I'm worried whether the PDF will be sufficient or I need the original document from the clinic. Is there any way of checking this in advance? (I'm travelling in April). Perhaps it's better for me to just do a rapid antigen test before travelling?
2. We are travelling from London to Vancouver with a flight change at Calgary. If one of our group is selected for random testing will it be done at Calgary or when we arrive in Vancouver? I'm worried in case one of our party would be tested at Calgary airport and if it comes back positive then they could have to go into quarantine in Calgary. Our connection time in Calgary is only 1hr 20mins but that is still enough time to get the results from a rapid antigen test.
Any advice you can give me is much appreciated.
Answer
Karolane Lessard March 1, 2022, 09h48
Hi Robert,
It depends on what is shown on the PDF. If it shows your name, date and place of test, and test results, you should be good to go. Just make sure you travel date and your results are within the 90 days window that is accepted. If ever you are still unsure, a rapid antigen test is not very expensive and is now accepted.
The random test will be done in Calgary, or you will be given a test package to take once you have reached your destination, if selected. However, you will be able to catch your flight to Vancouver. As of yesterday, fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine while awaiting results.
As we are going forward with learning to live with the virus, entry requirements and testing may be lessen between now and your flight. I would advise you check back closer to your travel dates !
I hope this helps !
Answer

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