Significant Update on Travel Restrictions
Hello World! It’s already December, with less than a month left in the year. Today we would like to share updates on travel restrictions announced by the Government of Canada on November 19, 2021.
Please refer to the past article of travel restrictions from here.
1. Exemption for Short Trips within 72 hours
Effective November 30, 2021, fully vaccinated Canadians taking short trips abroad no longer need proof of a negative COVID-19 test to return to Canada.
Note: This exemption is only for trips originating in Canada taken by fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents or, individuals registered under the Indian Act. The trips must be within 72 hours.
This exemption extends to accompanying children under 12 and individuals with medical contraindications to vaccination.
2. Expands List of Approved COVID-19 Vaccines
Effective November 30, 2021, Canada expands the list of COVID-19 vaccines that travellers can receive to be considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of travel to Canada. The list includes 3 additional vaccines: Sinopharm, Sinovac and, COVAXIN.
Accepted vaccines:
- Pfizer
- Moderna
- AstraZeneca
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
- Sinopharm
- Sinovac
- COVAXIN
3. Travelers Now Need to be Fully Vaccinated
Effective January 15, 2022, specific groups of travellers, who are currently exempt from entry requirements, will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines on an approved list.
These groups include:
- Individuals travelling to reunite with family (unvaccinated children under 18 years of age will retain exemption if travelling to reunite with an immediate or extended family member who is a Canadian, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act)
- International students who are 18 years old and older
- Professional and amateur athletes
- Individuals with a valid Work Permit, including temporary foreign workers (outside of those in agriculture and food processing)
- Essential service providers, including truck drivers
Following unvaccinated travellers will retain exemption: agricultural and food processing workers, marine crew members, those entering on compassionate grounds, new permanent residents, resettling refugees and some children under the age of 18.
To be considered fully vaccinated, you must:
- have received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of accepted vaccines
- have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to entering Canada
- upload your proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN
Accepted vaccines are listed above.
Please refer to the following Government’s website for more information.
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There are many travel restrictions in effect in Canada due to COVID-19 and, they are updated frequently.
If you need our assistance or advice, please feel free to send your inquiry from here.
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