Canada ends COVID-19 entry requirements effective October 1
Travelers to Canada will have an easier time entering the country as it drops its COVID entry requirements from Saturday.
Travelers will no longer have to show proof of vaccination, take a test before or on arrival or follow quarantine rules, the Public Health Agency of Canada said in a statement. Press release Monday. Canada will also no longer require the use of ArriveCANwhich travelers can use to submit information such as proof of vaccination and travel details, among other changes.
The topic of easing COVID measures was raised during Wednesday’s caucus meeting on Parliament Hill. Tourism Minister Randy Boissonnault said the press officials “were going to make sure that when we open up the economy, we do it in a systematic and respectful way”.
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Earlier this year, Canada has relaxed its entry requirements Thus, fully vaccinated travelers do not have to present a negative COVID test before departure, but must still use the ArriveCAN system (otherwise they risk a $5,000 fine).
Those not considered fully vaccinated could only enter Canada for certain types of visits and had to test negative before and after arrival and complete a 14-day quarantine.
The country closed its borders for the first time in March 2020.
What are the new rules for entering Canada?
► In addition to ditching vaccines, testing and quarantine rules, travelers will no longer need to monitor or report COVID symptoms after arrival.
► Transport Canada is also removing additional rules, and travelers will not be subject to health checks for air or train travel, and masks will not be mandatory on planes or trains, although they are still encouraged to wear “high-quality, well-fitting masks” throughout their trip, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
► Pre-boarding testing, vaccines and ArriveCAN requirements for cruise passengers will also be waived, although some guidelines will remain in place, which the agency says would align with the United States
The agency said the changes were “facilitated by a number of factors, including modeling that indicates Canada is well past the peak of the wave fueled by Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, rates of immunization rates, declining hospitalization and death rates, as well as the availability and use of vaccine boosters (including a new bivalent formulation), rapid tests and treatments for COVID-19. “
Following the change, the US Travel Association’s executive vice president of public affairs and policy, Tori Emerson Barnes, called on the United States to stop requiring that international visitors present proof of vaccination.
“Ottawa is making the right decision by waiving its vaccine and testing requirements to enter Canada, which will provide a substantial boost to its economy,” she said in a statement. “Washington should follow suit by immediately suspending proof of vaccination for qualified visitors to Canada. and other nations, given the wide access to effective Covid boosters and therapies.”
She continued, “Canada is the number one source of international travelers to the United States, and we must take all necessary steps to accelerate the recovery of this vital market.
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CDC warns people before traveling to Canada
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention currently says Canada has a “high” COVID-19 level and warns people to be up to date with their vaccines before entering the country.
Canada recorded 18,718 new cases of COVID in the past week and 223 new deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University and Medicine.
