On September 7, 2021, Canada lifted a major restriction for travel to Canada for fully vaccinated foreign nationals. Fully vaccinated foreign nationals are now exempt from the general ban on optional and discretionary travel to Canada. This means that fully vaccinated foreign nationals can now seek entry to Canada to visit family or explore the country as a tourist. The requirement to quarantine on entry to Canada was removed for fully vaccinated persons on 5 July 2021. All other visa requirements for travel to Canada and some COVID-19 testing requirements remain in effect however.
Fully vaccinated persons means a person who has received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Canada with 2-weeks having passed since the 2nd dose. Proof of vaccination must be provided and all travelers, including fully vaccinated ones, must still undergo pre- and on-arrival COVID-19 testing with very limited exceptions. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated are still required to prove eligibility for an exemption to the ban on optional and discretionary travel to Canada and must continue to comply with all other restrictions on travel to Canada including but not limited to quarantine.
With the current or near arrival of COVID-19 vaccine “passports” in various jurisdictions and the ongoing evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are likely to be continued adjustments to the scope and procedure of Canada’s travel restrictions. To determine how you are affected by Canada’s travel restrictions, please book a consultation with us so we can evaluate your circumstances and help guide you on your journey to Canada.