Your Guide to Entering Canada for Business or Leisure Being Fully Vaccinated
The Canadian government has recently allowed fully vaccinated individuals to enter the country for all travel purposes as of September 7th. While fully vaccinated American nationals were previously permitted to enter Canada since August 9th, this is great news for everyone willing to travel to Canada.
The international travellers coming to Canada will need to show evidence of being fully vaccinated in addition to other requirements.
This is your full guide to enter Canada as an international traveller for both leisure and business from all around the world in 2021.
Am I Allowed to Travel to Canada if Not Vaccinated?
Canada has finally reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travellers from the 7th of September. However, you will need to show evidence of being fully vaccinated at least 14 full days before landing.
Regarding unvaccinated international travellers, they are still permitted into the country but under specific conditions such as a 14-day quarantine. This is the case for all individuals apart from diplomats, temporary workers, and international students.
On the other hand, the unvaccinated individuals that are not part of these 3 groups of people are currently still not allowed.
There is currently a list of 4 vaccinations eligible to enter Canada and they are Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), and AstraZeneca.
Is There a Quarantine in Place?
Travel restrictions are surely more flexible. However, it is still mandatory for unvaccinated people to quarantine for 2 weeks.
In addition to this, fully vaccinated travellers still need to quarantine if they are symptomatic and may be required to quarantine in case they fail to submit their information on ArriveCAN.
What is ArriveCAN and How to Use it?
Before entering Canada, all travellers must fill in their details on ArriveCAN. It is used to collect your travel information and you will need to submit your personal details proof of full vaccination. This is also the application to upload your pre-entry test results.
All travellers entering Canada muse use ArriveCAN regardless if they cross the border by air, road, or by boat.
In the case where travellers, whether foreign nationals, Canadian citizens or permanent residents, failed to upload their information, they may be requested to quarantine or even be subject to fines.
Moreover, if you’re fully vaccinated and entered Canada without issues but still test positive in the 14 days after arrival, you will need to report to the local health authorities rather than the ArriveCAN application.
What Vaccines are Approved in Canada?
You can enter Canada with Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccines as they are the only ones approved.
Some international travellers might have received a different vaccine abroad. However, being unapproved in Canada, these individuals will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine before travelling within the country.
If you’ve been vaccinated with one of these vaccinations, you will still need to undergo quarantine.
- Sinovac
- Cansino
- Gamalaya
- Sinopharm
- Vector Institute COVID-19 vaccine
- Bharat Biotech COVID-19 vaccine
Furthermore, you will have to show evidence that you were fully vaccinated at least 14 full days before landing.
Airport Procedures Upon Landing
When landing at the airport in Canada, there are some specific documents that you must prepare in advance.
First and foremost, all travellers, whether Canadian nationals or international, are required to show a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival and regardless of their vaccination status. Please note that getting tested upon arrival in Canada is free.
Secondly, you need to submit your information on the ArriveCAN application within 72 hours prior to your arrival.
Bear in mind that you might be stopped by an immigration officer and required to have a randomized test. You will not need to wait for the results and there will be no costs for it. But, you may be required to self-test 24 hours after and eventually report to the local health authorities if necessary.
Last but certainly not least, not all airports are allowed to welcome international travellers just yet. So far, the eligible ones are:
- Calgary International Airport
- Vancouver International Airport
- Edmonton International Airport
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport
- Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
- Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
If necessary, facilities to get tested at each of these Canadian airports are in place.
How to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19 in Canada and What are the Costs?
Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 in Canada is very easy and is free of charge for all individuals – Canadian nationals or international travellers. For people to receive a COVID vaccine, it’s sufficient to follow the governmental website. After that, simply make an appointment choosing your province. In terms of costs, the COVID-19 vaccine is free, whether you get a jab or 2.
How to Get Around Canada as a Fully Vaccinated Traveller
After finishing your quarantine, or upon entering Canada as a fully vaccinated individual, you will be able to travel around the country.
To fly in Canada, you will need to respond to regular health check questions to make sure you’re not a potential risk to other passengers.
In addition, when flying in or outside Canada, you are required to wear a mask from your entrance at the airport until your arrival throughout the flight. That said, people with a medical certificate that can’t wear a mask are exempted as well as children under 2 years of age.
While travel conditions around Canada aren’t certainly as smooth as pre-COVID-19, they remain reasonable.
Conclusion – Entering Canada as a Fully Vaccinated Traveller
If you’re planning a trip to Canada, make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date and plan for any delays in getting them if necessary.
All things considered, get fully vaccinated, submit your details carefully on ArriveCAN, and get tested before arrival to guarantee a smooth arrival.
