Canada travel restrictions

Government announces new COVID-19 rules for visitors entering the country from 21 November (Check News, 02.11.20). The government announces air travelers arriving in the country will soon have to submit their quarantine plans and contact information online before boarding their flights (Check News, 03.11.2020). U.S. borders with Canada, Mexico will remain closed to nonessential travel until 21 November (Reuters,19.10.20)

 

International Restrictions:
 

The Canadian authorities are now barring entry to Canada, including at its border with the US, to most foreign nationals. This exclusion does not apply to temporary foreign workers, most international students, Canadian citizens and permanent residents or their immediate and extended families provided they remain in Canada for 15 days or more. Land borders are operating at reduced capacity and with limited hours. Anyone arriving in Canada must self-quarantine for 14 days, and have a credible self-isolation plan. Immediate and extended family members planning to stay for less than 15 days must be travelling for an essential purpose. Further details are available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website or call the Canada Border Service Agency helpline: 1 800 461 9999.

At point of departure, air operators must complete a basic health assessment of every passenger. No passengers (regardless of citizenship) who are showing symptoms of coronavirus will be allowed to board. Non-medical face masks or face coverings are required for all flights to and from Canadian airports, and within airport terminals. Anyone who cannot wear a face mask for medical reasons must be in possession of a medical certificate. Further information is available on Transport Canada’s website.

From 21 November 2020, air travellers whose final destination is Canada will be required to submit their information digitally through Canada’s ArriveCAN app before they board their flight. This includes travel and contact information, quarantine plan and COVID-19 symptom self-assessment. You must be ready to show your ArriveCAN receipt when seeking entry into Canada, as well as evidence that you have submitted your details digitally. Further information is available on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website and on Transport Canada’s website If you have any questions, contact the nearest Canadian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate.

Only Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau (YUL), Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) are operating international flights. Domestic flights, as well as flights from the United States, some destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean, and from St. Pierre-et-Miquelon, are currently not affected by this measure. You should check with your airline before you travel for the most up to date information.

Cruise ships with overnight accommodation allowed to carry more than 100 passengers are prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until 31 October 2020. Further information on COVID-19 measures for cruise ships and other passenger vessels is available on Transport Canada’s website here .

Canadian authorities require passengers to wear a face covering on flights to and from Canada, and within airport terminals in Canada.

The Canadian authorities require visitors transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) unless you are otherwise exempted (for example, if you have a valid Canadian visa or a permanent resident card).

People displaying symptoms of coronavirus when they arrive in Canada may not use public transportation to travel to their place of isolation. They also may not isolate in a place where they will be in contact with vulnerable people, such as elderly people and those with underlying health conditions.

You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities.
Everyone arriving in Canada is legally required to self-isolate for 14 days. Heavy penalties apply if you fail to comply. From 15 April, you must also produce a credible self-isolation plan. An inadequate plan would include scenarios such as planning to stay with elderly family members or failing to have a set destination. Travellers who are unable to produce a credible plan will be placed in a quarantine location, such as a hotel, for a 2-week period.
Cruise ships with overnight accommodation allowed to carry more than 100 passengers are prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until 28 February 2021. Further information on COVID-19 measures for cruise ships and other passenger vessels is available on Transport Canada’s website.

 

Internal Restrictions:

 
To help curb the spread of coronavirus, provincial governments have introduced a number of measures. There are some regional variations, but they generally include: a ban on large social gatherings, where physical distancing is not possible; closure of schools, colleges and many public facilities, museums, cinemas and theatres; closure of bars and restaurants in many cities and regions; some public transport offering only a limited service,
Anyone showing symptoms associated with coronavirus will be barred from domestic flights and some inter-city train services. Non-medical face masks or face coverings are required for all flights to and from Canadian airports, and within airport terminals. Anyone who cannot wear a face mask for medical reasons must be in possession of a medical certificate.

The Canadian authorities recommend the use of non-medical masks/facial coverings when it is not possible to consistently maintain a 2-metre physical distance from others, including on public transportation. Some local transport authorities are making this a mandatory requirement. You should ensure that you are in possession of a mask/facial covering when using public transport in the event you are requested by transport operators to wear one.

Federal, provincial and local authorities may introduce further restrictions at short notice, including the requirement to wear a face mask or face covering in public spaces, closing provincial borders, internal travel restrictions, a provisional ban on temporary foreign workers, or mandatory self-isolation for people arriving from other provinces. You should comply with the rules and advice of local authorities in relation to coronavirus. Check guidance for each province herer