The current restrictions took effect in December 2021. Are you interested in learning more about the quarantine rules and travel limitations in Canada, especially Christmas travel? Continue reading to learn about all of the new laws and regulations.
On December 17 the government announced a number of changes that have the purpose of managing the risks and uncertainty around COVID-19 variants.
UPDATE: Canada will be open to fully vaccinated Americans starting August 9th and to the rest of the fully vaccinated starting September 9th. More info here
The current restrictions took effect in July 2021. Are you interested in learning more about the quarantine rules and travel limitations in Canada? Continue reading to learn about all of the new laws and regulations.
These fully vaccinated categories of people are no longer required to stay in a government-approved hotel for three days. However, they still will need to submit a quarantine plan.
The majority of unvaccinated essential travellers still have to be subject to a quarantine period if they travel to Canada and Canada is still closed to all un-essential travel regardless of vaccine status
Before entering Canada travellers must electronically submit COVID-19-related information using the government's ArriveCAN app. The vaccine certificate must be in French or English.
Even if you meet all other requirements, you will not be considered for the exemption if you do not provide the appropriate information in ArriveCAN before arriving at the border.
Non-essential travel between the US and Canada is still prohibited.
Foreign nationals travelling for non-essential reasons are still prohibited from entering Canada.
Atlantic bubble in effect. Anyone entering Atlantic provinces must quarantine for 14 days unless arriving from an Atlantic bubble
Direct flights from India have been prohibited and the ban is extended until at least July 21. Those Indians flying to Canada on connecting flights must have negative COVID-19 test results, which must be taken at the final point of departure before entering the country.
Pakistan travellers, on the other hand, are permitted to enter Canada and are not subject to a flight ban, since June 21, 2021.
Q: I want to enter Canada from India or Pakistan. Can I do so?
You cannot enter from India directly. However, you can fly from Pakistan. If you fly from India to a third country before Canada, you must get a COVID-19 test in that country.
What are the updated rules for travel between Canada and the US?
While nothing has changed for the time being, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would only say that in the next few weeks, steps toward reopening the US-Canada border will be taken. He has confirmed this will not be at least until July 21, 2021.
What are the approved vaccines that will make me eligible to benefit from the new regulations?
Only four vaccines are approved by the government of Canada: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine - single dose. Sinopharm, Sputnik and others are not currently approved.
The current regulations started to apply in April 2021. Curious to find out what the Canada quarantine rules and travel restrictions are? Keep reading for all the rules and regulations, explained.
The United States-Canada border remains closed to non-essential travellers for at least one more month, i.e., until May 21, 2021. Entry for international students remains allowed, as long as the school is registered and the student fulfills all other requirements (see International Students section below).
Although it has been reported that the federal government is considering a request to stop international students from entering Ontario, nothing has been decided yet.
I want to enter Canada from India or Pakistan. Can I do so? A: If you are in India or Pakistan, you cannot fly to Canada at this time on either commercial or private aircraft.
Can I travel to a third country from India or Pakistan then fly to Canada? A: If you choose to do so, the legal requirement now is that you must be tested in that third country and have a negative COVID-19 test before being allowed back into Canada.
I am travelling from the US. Can I enter Canada? A: The US-Canada border remains closed except for a very limited number of exemptions, including essential workers and job roles such as truck drivers who need to cross the border regularly.
I have been vaccinated. Am I exempt from the travel restrictions? A: As of May 2021, Canada has not made any decisions on so-called vaccine passports as there is not enough evidence to show whether the vaccinated can still transmit COVID 19
I want to leave Canada for a vacation or another reason. Can I do so? A: Yes, you can, but the government is encouraging Canadians not to travel if not necessary. Upon re-entry, you will be subject to quarantine and testing. You may also find difficulty in finding flights back home.
I’m Canadian. Can I fly or drive to Canada as of March 2021? A: Yes, you can but only in specific circumstances if you are a Canadian citizen, resident, transiting on your way to another country, or fall under a limited number of exceptions. Depending on your situation, you will be subject to quarantine/isolation and testing.
I’m a foreign citizen, can I travel to Canada as of March 2021? A: *Most foreign citizens cannot travel to Canada at this time. You may fall under one of the exceptions, however. These include having an immediate or extended relative who is Canadian or a permanent resident, having compassionate reason to travel, being an athlete travelling for a sporting event, and specific other classes of travel for non-discretionary purposes, such as temporary work or study.*
Note: that even if you already have a visitor visa or eTA (electronic travel authorization), you won’t be allowed to travel if you don’t fall under the above categories.
In general, the federal government is trying to restrict travel in order to protect Canada from COVID-19 and its variants around the world. As such, it is discouraging non-essential travel by Canadians.
To prevent trips to popular destinations, Canadian airlines agreed that outgoing flights to the Caribbean and Mexico would be restricted until at least April 30, 2021. However, if you are currently abroad and want to get home, there are options available. Here’s how you can enter Canada.
The first step is to clarify if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms can include a new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or a fever (temperature equal to or over 38°C). If you do show any symptoms, you cannot fly until you have a negative COVID-19 test.
For Canadians and permanent residents without symptoms, here’s what the procedure is, based on your method of travel.
The Canadian government provides a checklist for anyone flying to Canada. For flying to Canada the checklist includes:
You’ll need to complete each of these steps so that you can prove they have been done to the Border Services officer on arrival. Testing on arrival in an airport. You will be required to take a test before leaving the airport in Canada. You will also be provided with a COVID-19 test kit to use for your test on day 10 of your mandatory quarantine. Following the arrival test, you will need to go to your reserved hotel to await test results.
There are exemptions to taking the test. These apply only to children four years or younger, diplomats, and exigent cases as determined by a quarantine officer.
Once you test negative, you are able to begin your quarantine. You should also be able to take a domestic flight if necessary to get to your quarantine location. For example, if you arrive at Toronto Airport but your quarantine location is in Calgary, you can take a domestic flight to get there.
If you have a positive or inconclusive result, a Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) official will contact you and provide further instructions.
What happens if you don’t have a quarantine plan in place? The government will relocate you to one of its designated quarantine facilities for the next 14 days.
For driving to Canada to Canada the pre-entry checklist includes: - Having a quarantine or isolation plan before you travel - Getting your pre-entry COVID-19 test - Setting up an account for your COVID-19 test on arrival - Using the ArriveCAN system to submit your travel and quarantine plans
Have your documents ready to present to the Border Services officer on arrival. Once you arrive at the border, you will receive your arrival and day 10 test kits. You will also complete your arrival test at the border if testing stations are available on site. The border officer will give you instructions for driving to your place of quarantine.
Unless you are a child under five years old, without exceptions you must provide a negative COVID-19 test before entering Canada by land. There are specific requirements on the timing and type of test. Note that if you have had a vaccine that does not exempt you from the requirement to have a pre-entry test.
The test must include:
You must also keep proof of your test results for the 14-day period that begins on the day you enter Canada. For some people, they continue to test positively long after they have recovered from COVID-19 and are not infectious. In this case, the traveller must provide proof of a positive COVID-19 molecular test conducted between 14 and 90 days prior to entry into Canada.
On the day you enter Canada, you will be required to take a test. In addition to a kit for this first test, you will also be provided with a COVID-19 test kit to use for your test on day 10 of your mandatory quarantine. Instructions on how to collect a nasal swab and send the sample are included. Certain ports of entry have services on-site to help you with the procedure.
You can register to use a testing station at a land port of entry by going to Switchhealth Portal
The following ports of entry have testing stations: - St. Bernard de Lacolle (Highway 15), QC - Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, ON - Douglas, BC - Coutts, AB - St Stephen 3rd Bridge, NB - Ambassador Bridge, ON - Fort Erie (Peace Bridge), ON - Windsor-Detroit Tunnel, ON - Sarnia (Blue Water Bridge), ON - Pacific Highway, BC - Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge, ON - Lansdowne (Thousand Islands Bridge), ON - St-Armand/Philipsburg, QC - Huntingdon, BC - Emerson, MB - Stanstead, QC
For travellers who enter at a crossing point that is not included in the list above, once you are at your place of quarantine you will need to complete your nasal swab. First, register your kit. Then set up an online appointment with a healthcare professional who will guide you through the specimen collection process to ensure it is done correctly. Finally, use the information in the kit to arrange for your sample to be picked up and delivered to the laboratory. For information on what happens after this, see the section “Testing during quarantine” below.
The government has authorized certain hotels for your mandatory stay. Many can easily be reserved via online booking. The most popular places to stay are quarantine hotels in Toronto and quarantine hotels in Vancouver.
Hotels and quarantine/isolation plus approved hotels by province
You may be wondering, how can I book a hotel for the mandatory Canadian quarantine stay? Do the Canadian quarantine hotels offer any deals or discounts?
The first way to book is by contacting the hotel directly. Many have put online booking in place for travellers. If they don’t have a special procedure in place, inform the hotel that you require accommodation for the mandatory 3-night stopover to ensure you're booked correctly.
Reservations can also be made with GB Travel Canada Inc. on these numbers: 1-800-294-8253 (toll-free within North America) 1-613-830-2992 (collect outside of North America)
Regular hours of operation: 8 am to 11 pm Eastern Time, seven days a week. Calls received after hours will be limited to emergencies. Before calling, make a note of the information required. - Traveller name(s) - Date(s) of birth - Gender (male, female, or undisclosed) - Arrival city and date - Payment information - Special requests and accessibility concerns - Pet information - Email address
Travellers will receive an email confirmation of their accommodation within 4 hours of booking. Costs of these hotel stopovers may vary by location. The price will include costs associated with the food, type of room, security, transportation and infection prevention and control measures. For example, a stay in Calgary can be 615 CAD while a stay at a 5-star Toronto hotel could cost 1,800 CAD. You can expect your basic hotel services from all of these locations — beds, wi-fi, televisions and more.
Register for your day 10 test once you arrive at the hotel (except Toronto). If you received a specimen collection kit, and you arrived in either Calgary, Montreal or Vancouver airports, please register for your day 10 test on your first day in Canada using the information provided within the kit. This will ensure you are reminded via email or text to take your day 10 test.
You are required to take a test on day 10 of quarantine. The kit will guide you on how to test yourself. Once you send off the sample, here’s what might happen.
You test negative. Even though you have a negative test, you are still required to complete your 14-day quarantine. You will only be allowed to leave when this is done.
You test positive. You must isolate yourself from others immediately for a period of 14 days that begins from the time you took the test with positive results (i.e. date/time of specimen collection). A public health official will call you to provide you with additional instructions.
Your result is inconclusive or you don’t receive the result. Inconclusive results mean you must take another test. Do not leave quarantine if this happens. Another kit should automatically be couriered to you. If you haven’t received a result contact the test provider. If by the 14th day of quarantine you still do not have the result, a public health official will contact you. Do not leave quarantine until you have a negative result.
The travel exemptions Canada has imposed can be complex. You may have questions about if you are exempted from Canadian testing and quarantine.
Here are the answers. Am I exempt from quarantine in Canada? Exemptions from quarantine are granted in two specific sets of circumstances. These are the “essential reasons” quarantine exemption list and compassionate reasons, including funerals and end-of-life care.
Based on your reason for travel, you may apply for a limited release from quarantine for compassionate reasons. If you’re approved, your limited release from quarantine is valid only for the location(s) and purpose specified in your application. Some provinces and territories may not allow for limited release from quarantine for compassionate reasons. This means that even if you receive approval from the Public Health Agency of Canada a province or territory may have additional restrictions. In the event of conflicting requirements between federal restrictions and provincial or territorial travel restrictions, you must comply with those that are the most stringent.
Exemptions from pre-entry testing are granted in limited circumstances and differ according to if you are driving or flying into Canada.
Exigent cases at the discretion of the quarantine officer
For help interpreting the exemptions or if you have additional questions about the Emergency Order call 1-833-784-4397. Penalties for breaking the Quarantine Act
You are under a legal obligation to take the day 1 and day 10 tests. Failure to comply with the requirements of the Quarantine Act and emergency orders made under the act is an offence and could lead to fines of up to $750,000 or imprisonment.
If you do not take the tests, you may also be transferred to a designated quarantine facility. All travellers will receive calls from a live agent or automated system and you may also be visited at your place of quarantine by a Screening Officer to verify compliance.
While travel restrictions for Canada apply to all Canadians, each province has its own rules and guidelines. The official government position is that where the requirements are different or conflict, Canadians must adhere to whichever regulation is more strict. In some cases where there are no additional rules or requirements in a territory or province, only the federal requirements apply. It’s best to verify before travel what the specific Canada quarantine rules and requirements are for the particular province or territory. If you have not travelled out of Canada, the provincial rules will apply to you if you want to go to another province or travel within your own province. In general, all provinces and territories advise against travelling out of your own province, and you will be subject to different requirements if you leave and then return home.
The official Alberta advice is that if you do have to travel inside the province, you should: - Follow all physical distancing and gathering restrictions - Take the necessary precautions to protect your health and the health of others - Download and use the Alberta mobile contact tracing app while out in public - If you have travelled recently, monitor the government’s list of flights with confirmed COVID-19 cases
There are official occupation exemptions, which if you fall under, you can travel to Alberta. The list includes: pilots - flight attendants - commercial carriers - select industry sectors - approved worksites granted a Quality of Life exemption, which can be applied for through the case-by-case review process/submission checklist
Some exemptions apply for end of life ceremonies, critical visitation and support. There is an online application process for travellers who think they fall under this exemption. There are two types of compassionate exemptions, one for critical and end of life visitation and one for attendance at a celebration of life or funeral.
Essential travel is permitted inside of B.C., and the approved types include things like regular travel for work in your own region, such as travelling from Vancouver to Surrey, as well as medical and hospital visits.
For travellers from outside B.C. the same guidelines on travel and public health apply as they do to local residents. If you come from a province or territory outside B.C. there is no official requirement to self-quarantine. Do note that as of March 2021 the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is closed until April 19.
There are several restrictions to transport in B.C. These include ferries, driving, rest areas, taxis, intercity buses and other public transport. See the province page for current info.
Inside of New Brunswick, several guidelines apply. Information on navigating the pandemic for people includes adhering to the rules under the current state of emergency. Specific guidance includes information on gatherings, self-monitoring, vaccinations, specific industries and how to keep residents and others safe.
Travellers can expect to be screened if they travel from outside New Brunswick from Quebec. They will be asked to prove that they live in the province. This is to facilitate tracing in case of COVID-19 cases or an outbreak. Check the list of approved documents for travel to ensure entry.
Residents of the province must isolate for two weeks when they return from outside of New Brunswick. Prior to arrival travellers must complete registration
Entry from the USA or other international locations also requires travel approval to enter the province. The approved travellers must be coming to work, for child custody reasons, study, visit someone in palliative care, or to get medical treatment. As with travellers from inside Canada, they must complete travel registration. Note that approval by the Canada Border Services Agency does not guarantee entry into the province.
For travellers who isolate in another province or territory, i.e., those who don’t travel directly, they must fulfill New Brunswick’s admission criteria to enter. The two-week isolation period applies and public health guidelines must be followed.
It’s important to remember that if you leave the province, not only are you subject to rules in place at your destination but the rules in New Brunswick upon your return as well. For example, unless you’re exempt, you must self-isolate for 14 days after you get back to the province.
Full details of all of the province’s rules can be found here. A travel form is required for all travellers, regardless of if they live in Newfoundland and Labrador or not.
In general, travel restrictions are in place. You are only permitted entry into the province if your purpose of travel meets extenuating circumstances. These circumstances are outlined by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
There are currently four types of individuals in total who can enter the province: - A resident of Newfoundland and Labrador or a resident of another Atlantic Province (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island); - An essential worker; - A resident of St. Pierre and Miquelon requiring health care; and - An individual who meets the criteria approved by the Chief Medical Officer of Health
The list of exemptions by the Chief Medical Officer of Health includes the following: - Permanently relocating to the province; Job loss; - Reuniting with, or accompanying, immediate family in the province (partner/spouse/dependent child); - Homeownership (for individuals who currently reside in Canada); - Short-term work or school placement; - Operating a business in the province; - Bereavement/funeral; - Post-secondary students attending school in the province; - Shared custody arrangements; - Providing child care; - Providing care or support for a loved one (or yourself), examples include those who have a significant injury, condition or illness and require the support of family members residing in Newfoundland and Labrador; and - Visiting a loved one who is critically ill or in palliative care.
Travellers entering Newfoundland and Labrador from international locations and whose travel has been approved by Canada Border Services Agency must also complete the Travel Form. Approval by Canadian Border Security Agency does not guarantee entry into the province.
In addition to a driver's license or other photo ID with your province address on it, one of the following must also be provided in order to enter: - A valid MCP card; - A valid Newfoundland and Labrador motor vehicle registration certificate; - A 2018 or 2019 Canada Revenue Agency income tax return identifying Newfoundland and Labrador as your province of residency - A bank or credit card statement with your address in the province
For residents without the above photo ID, another type of identification from another province or the state must be provided, as well as a valid MCP card and either: - A valid Newfoundland and Labrador motor vehicle registration certificate; - A 2018 or 2019 Canada Revenue Agency income tax return identifying Newfoundland and Labrador as your province of residency; or - A bank/credit card statement with Newfoundland and Labrador address - For non-residents of the province, the requirements for identification are: - One must be a photo identification card; and, - One piece of identification must include a home address
If you have filled out a travel form with your purpose of travel you should be able to verify information relating to that purpose. This for example includes essential workers, who must travel with a letter from their employer. The employer may be contacted for confirmation.
The travel form can be completed up to 30 days before you travel. It must be filled out in order to enter the province. Electronic formats are available, except for Labrador West; Quebec, Fermont Border. These forms are not editable. If any details change, a new form will need to be filled out.
The province advises that before travelling to the province to attend any post-secondary institution, students should contact their school. Likewise, essential workers and healthcare workers must contact the regional health authority before travelling.
Note that a new version of the Atlantic Bubble is expected to begin by April 19. From November 2020 it has been mandatory for bubble residents to self-isolate for two weeks when arriving in the province.
Limited exemptions exist to this requirement. To be exempt from self-isolation a traveller must be under a Special Measures Order, or a part of communities along the Labrador-Quebec border (Labrador City, Wabush, Fermont, the Labrador Straits area and Blanc Sablon).
As a general rule, everyone who travels from outside Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island into Nova Scotia (including post-secondary students and if you’re travelling through Nova Scotia to another destination) must self-isolate for 14 days when they arrive in Nova Scotia, or for the duration of their stay if it’s less than 14 days.
If they have already self-isolated in New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island, they may enter Nova Scotia without self-isolating again. You don’t need to self-isolate if you’re exempt from self-isolation.
According to guidelines from the provincial authorities, self-isolation means going directly to your destination and staying there for 14 days, or for the duration of your stay if it’s less than 14 days. The day you arrive in Nova Scotia counts as your first day of self-isolation. You need to stay in the same location while you’re self-isolating and you cannot change locations. The province also advises avoiding public transportation (like a taxi, bus or shuttle) if possible. Everyone in the household needs to self-isolate for 14 days if you travel from outside Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island for non-essential travel, unless there’s a completely separate space where you can self-isolate alone.
If you’re travelling through Nova Scotia to another province you should make as few stops in Nova Scotia as possible. You should self-isolate as much as you can and follow social distancing guidelines with people who are not travelling with you.
If you’re dropping off a student on campus, make sure to follow the school’s drop-off process. Individuals dropping off students must self-isolate for the period of time they’re in the province other than when they’re doing the drop off. You also need to follow public health measures while you're in Nova Scotia.
Residents of Nova Scotia who have been outside the province, or New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island need to complete a Nova Scotia Safe Check-in Form before they return to the province unless they’re exempt from self-isolation.
Before boarding a plane into the territory, residents will undergo a mandatory 14-day isolation period in either Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton or Yellowknife. At the end of the 14 days, asymptomatic residents will be cleared and provided a letter signed by the Chief Public Health Officer allowing them to return to their home community. This also includes medical travel patients.
The NWT/Nunavut Common Travel Area has been suspended until further notice. As of November 17, 2020, all Nunavut travellers to the NWT must follow self-isolation measures. As per the Chief Public Health Officer of Nunavut direction, all Nunavummiut who travelled from Nunavut to the NWT, before the suspension of the common travel area, can return to Nunavut without completing a 14 days isolation period
The common travel area applies to air and land travel and exempts travellers from isolation requirements when travelling between Nunavut and Churchill Manitoba under certain conditions:
For example, if a Nunavut resident chooses to travel to Churchill, they need to have been in Nunavut for at least 14 full days before their travel, and once they are in Churchill they cannot travel anywhere else, except back to Nunavut.
Travellers who wish to enter Nunavut, must write to [email protected] and complete and sign the Common Area Traveller’s Declaration form. Failure to do so will affect entry in Nunavut and anyone who does not answer truthfully will be subject to fines. This also applies for Nunavummiut who wish to return home after their stay in the NWT or Churchill. Anyone travelling by air must have a letter of authorization from the CPHO in order to board the aircraft. Travellers must submit their declaration within two to seven business days before their scheduled flight to Nunavut.
The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer will issue a letter of approval. Travellers will be required to present the approval letter prior to boarding any airplane entering Nunavut.
Travelling to the province According to the Chief Medical Officer of Health, it is advised that both individuals and families only travel out of Ontario if it is essential, and to isolate for 14 days when arriving to or returning to the province in order to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19.
Effective March 13, 2021, the province introduced measures that will stay in place until at least the middle of April. It has suspended its part in the Atlantic Travel Bubble for the time being as well.
- Residents of the province do not need pre-approval to return to PEI, but will need to self-isolate and identify a self-isolation location and support person. - Residents of the province seeking to work outside of the home during their 14 day self-isolation period may apply to work-isolate and those travelling frequently for work can register as a rotational worker. - Residents of the province travelling within Atlantic Canada for some types of same-day travel are not required to self-isolate, subject to some restrictions. - Non-residents must apply in advance to travel to PEI and should not make travel plans before receiving pre-travel approval. Proof of approval is required at a PEI border.
A supervised Borden Exchange Area is available to residents of the province and individuals from other provinces entering PEI via the Confederation Bridge for exchange of goods or animal companions and individuals (picking up or dropping off people) Residents of Atlantic provinces (PEI, NB, NS,NL) should check for any current rules and restrictions within the Atlantic travel bubble.
The Quebecois government has a limited list of the types of people who can enter the province. The list includes the below exemptions.
While there are no preventive isolation measures for people arriving from other Canadian provinces, non-essential travel should be avoided, according to the government.
If you plan to travel within the province for non-essential or recreational purposes, be aware that there are guidelines and potential restrictions that could affect your trip.
Occupants in a vehicle must be limited to members of the same household only. If carpooling must occur, physical distancing should be maintained as much as possible, including having people sit in the back seat, and masks must be worn. Do not travel or share a vehicle if you are ill or have symptoms of COVID-19.
If you have chosen to travel inter-provincially, it is recommended you get tested as soon as you return to Saskatchewan and plan for a follow-up test seven days later.
The presence of new variants across Canada means an elevated risk of bringing more transmissible strains of COVID-19 home with you. Testing is the best tool available to protect your family, friends and all residents of Saskatchewan against COVID-19 if you have travelled.
You do not need to be experiencing symptoms in order to have COVID-19.
People who enter or re-enter Saskatchewan should self-monitor for 14 days and self-isolate at the first sign of even mild symptoms. At this time, it is not mandatory that you self-isolate for 14 days upon your return from an out-of-province trip. Self-isolation is only mandatory for international travel. It is still recommended that you take all precautions and maintain a minimum of 2-metre distance with persons outside your household while travelling and upon your return.
Residents of other provinces coming to Saskatchewan (for example, to visit family) should observe all public health measures, including physical distancing and restrictions on the maximum number of people allowed to gather.
The Council of Yukon First Nations has issued guidelines, specific government and community guidelines can be read here. The communities include: - Carcross/Tagish First Nation and South Klondike Advisory Council - Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and Village of Haines Junction - First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun - Kluane First Nation - Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and Village of Carmacks - Selkirk First Nation - Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation - Trondek Hwech’in and City of Dawson - Village of Mayo
The government of Yukon advises that if a First Nations government or community has not issued an advisory, visitors should travel responsibly and follow the Safe 6. This includes keeping distance, keeping hands clean, staying home if you feel sick, avoiding crowds, travelling with respect and self-isolating if necessary.
For everyone else, here’s how you can travel in, or through, the Yukon.
If you're arriving in Yukon from within Canada Anyone may enter Yukon but everyone must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in the territory. This is the law in Yukon. Learn more about self-isolation and get help to self-isolate. There are exceptions. You do not need to self-isolate if you're a resident of the Yukon-BC border areas of Atlin Lower Post, Fire Side, Jade City, Fraser and Pleasant Camp and you haven't travelled outside of the BC border areas or Yukon in the last 14 days.
You don't need to fully self-isolate if you're a critical service worker who has: - only left Yukon to perform your duties; or - travelled to Yukon as part of your job. - As a critical worker, you may go to work, but during the 14 days after you arrive in Yukon, you must self-isolate when you are not performing your duties. - #### Where to self-isolate You must self-isolate for 14 days in Whitehorse unless you’re: - staying with a family member who is a Yukon resident and they live outside the city; or - a Yukon resident who does not live in Whitehorse. When you self-isolate or quarantine, you have to monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19. Any costs associated with self-isolation will be your responsibility. Travelling through the Yukon to reach Alaska, NWT, or elsewhere You must transit through Yukon within 24 hours. Avoid stopping in rural communities. Do not stop for non-essential reasons. If you must get gas, pay at the pump. If you must stay overnight at a hotel, self-isolate in your room. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms during your transit, stop and phone 811.
Americans travelling through Yukon have to follow a designated travel corridor. We give travellers a map of this route at Yukon borders.
If you live in Whitehorse and have a cabin in the communities, you can travel there for the weekend. You may also shop in local stores if they welcome people from outside their community.
Visitors to the Yukon can get a vehicle decal that shows they are allowed to be in the territory. This, however, is not mandatory.
Foreign citizens are under stricter rules than Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Canada quarantine rules apply to them in equal measure, and they will have to self-isolate on arrival. In general, only the below foreign citizens can enter Canada currently: an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act or permanent resident (who is staying in Canada for 15 days or more) - an extended family member of a Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act or permanent resident (who is staying in Canada for 15 days or more) - a person who is authorized by the Public Health Agency of Canada to travel to Canada for compassionate reasons - a person who’s participating in an International Single-Sport Event - all other foreign nationals must be travelling directly from the US for a non-discretionary purpose OR be exempt from the travel restrictions and be travelling for a non-discretionary purpose
The categories of foreign citizens travelling from outside the US who can enter currently include the following.
- Temporary foreign workers- Some international students who have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction showing approval for a study permit; who are also attending a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory
- Some people who have been approved to become a permanent resident of Canada, but who have not yet actually been granted residency
- Immediate family members with written authorization from IRCC to reunite with a temporary resident of Canada
- Transiting passengers; but they can only enter if they remain in the secure transit area of a Canadian airport to complete their connection
- Members of the Canadian forces, visiting forces coming to perform official duties, Department of National Defence and their immediate family members
- Accredited diplomats and their immediate family members
- Air and marine crew members, for example pilots or ship crew
- French citizens who live in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and have been in only Canada, the US or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon during the 14 days before the day they seek to enter Canada
- Any person who does not pose significant harm to public health, in the opinion of the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, and who will provide an essential service while in Canada
- Any person whose presence in Canada is in the national interest, in the opinion of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness; or Minister of Foreign Affairs; and this exemption may be applied only by any of the 3 ministers listed above. This exemption is for exceptional circumstances only. All other options must be considered before it will be considered. If you think you may qualify for a national interest exemption, you can contact your nearest visa office.
- Any person who is coming at the invitation of the Minister of Health for the purpose of COVID-19 assistance
- Any person whose purpose is to make medical deliveries
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## International students
If you are an international student, you are able to enter Canada if you meet two requirements. Firstly, you must show a document that shows your student status. This can be either a valid study permit or a letter of introduction showing confirmed approval for a study permit. Secondly, your school must be a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory. You cannot enter Canada if your school has suspended or cancelled your study program or if you are entering for another reason other than studying.
December 17, 2021 Canada reimposes testing requirements for entry
A molecular pre-entry test is required of all Canadians returning from trips. For those hoping to take it before they leave Canada, the government has declared that Canadians will not be able to rely on Canadian tests to get around the requirement.
Vaccinated Canadians, residents and international students can travel freely
Canadians and permanent residents who have received all of their doses of a COVID-19 vaccine that has been licensed for use in Canada can now avoid the 14-day quarantine. The measures also apply to those who are registered under the Indian Act as well as some foreign citizens who have previously been granted entry to Canada, such as international students.
Flights from Canada and Pakistan banned The Public Health Agency of Canada’s tracking of case data showed a disproportionately higher number of cases on flights originating in India and Pakistan going to Canada. For 30 days, all commercial and private passenger flights from India and Pakistan will be suspended.
New details of 3 part COVID-19 testing announced for international travellers New details are announced on the February 9 plan. Effective February 22, all arriving international travellers will have to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test 72 hours before boarding their departing flight, take a PCR test on arrival in Canada and quarantine for three days at a supervised hotel for three days awaiting the results of their test at their own expense. Additionally, they will be required to take a third PCR COVID-19 test at the end of their 14-day quarantine at home. Essential workers such as truck drivers continue to be exempt from mandatory testing and quarantine.
72-hour test requirement when entering by land from the United States introduced On February 9, Prime Minister Trudeau announced a negative PCR test will be required within 72 hours of entering Canada through the land border with the United States and that the change will come into effect on February 15.
International travel rules changed, suspension of Mexico and Caribbean flights Following the new rules, on January 21, 2021, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced at least 50,000 flights were cancelled in Canada. Trudeau announced new national travel restrictions, including the suspension of flights by major airlines to and from the Caribbean and Mexico beginning January 31 until April 30.
In the weeks after, new foreign flights were only able to land in Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport and travellers had to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test and isolate in an approved hotel while awaiting results at the traveller's expense.
As of February 3, 2021 the new restrictions included scheduled commercial passenger flights arriving from the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America, which were exempted from the previous restriction. Private, business and charter flights from all countries are all restricted to the list of four airports. Flights from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and cargo-only flights remained exempt, however.
The government made it mandatory for travellers, with limited exceptions, to reserve a room in a hotel approved by the government at their own cost, as well as take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival at their own cost. The government also announced plans to introduce a 72-hour pre-arrival testing requirement for travellers seeking entry in land mode. Commercial truckers are exempt from this, to encourage the flow of goods across the border.
The government also announces it is working with security companies to institute compliance checks. The plans announced that officers, called Screening Officers under the Quarantine Act, would conduct visits in 35 cities across the country, starting in Montréal and Toronto.
PCR test rule takes effect Many travellers to Canada were unaware that there were new rules. This means that they were unable to board their flights, with many in warmer countries like Cuba and Mexico trying to fly home unable to. WestJet in particular was highly critical of the new rules, citing the lack of time they had to prepare for the new requirements. Despite the new rules, passengers on 20 separate flights arriving from warmer climates (including the United States, Barbados, Aruba, Mexico, Panama and the Dominican Republic) over the winter holidays were exposed to the virus before the new rules came into effect.
Canada imposes mandatory PCR tests for all travellers entering the country On December 30, the government announced all air travellers entering the country from outside of Canada must now provide a COVID-negative PCR test within 72 hours of boarding their flight into the country effective January 7, 2021. This new requirement does not replace the requirement to quarantine. Additional rules also mean the traveller will have to spend time in a Federal facility if officers find their self-isolation plans unsatisfactory.
Canada bans flights from Britain over new COVID-19 variant Effective at 12:01am on December 21, Canada halted flights from the United Kingdom due to concerns over a variant of COVID-19. This fast-moving variant means that Canada is not the only country to ban British flights.
Extension of the ban on non-essential international travellers plus 14 day isolation rule Cases are rising across Canada in several provinces. As a result, on November 29, Public Safety Minister Bill Blair and Health Minister Patty Hajdu extended the ban on international travellers who had non-essential purposes. The rules were first imposed in March, and were to be extended until January 21, 2021 "for travellers entering Canada from a country other than the United States. Among the rules is a requirement for anyone entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days upon entry into Canada."
A shorter international traveller test-out program introduced The program launched to allow international travellers to leave quarantine provided they test negative upon arrival and retest 6 to 7 days after.
International students allowed back into Canada at certain schools Travel restrictions for international students attending institutions with a COVID-19 readiness plan eased.
Extended family members can travel Travel restrictions for certain extended family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents eased. ### October 22, 2020 - European Union bans Canadians
On October 22, the European Union cancelled the COVID-19 travel corridor that allowed Canadians to enter any European territory without quarantine lockdown. In June 2020, Canada had been one of 14 countries that were allowed to enter by the EU. The reversal of status was caused by the resurgence in virus cases that Canada began to experience in late October.
Aviation industry protests and jobs crisis On October 19, Air Transat announced the closure of its Vancouver base and laid off half of its remaining flight attendants. It went from 2,000 to 117 flight attendants. On October 20, aviation workers gathered to protest at Parliament Hill. July 31, 2020 - Alaska transit restrictions and entry conditions eased
Restrictions and entry conditions for travellers transiting through Canada to Alaska announced by Canada Border Services Agency. June 9, 2020 - Immediate family members can travel to Canada
Travel restrictions on foreign nationals with immediate family in Canada relaxed by Canada Border Services Agency.
Canadian travel industry and flights affected On May 19 during a press conference with Justin Trudeau and Theresa Tam, the 20th week of 2020 versus the same figures in 2019 saw a drop of 88 percent inland border crossers and a 98 percent drop in international air travel. On May 14 Lufthansa Group announced it would resume flights between Toronto and Frankfurt as of June 3, as part of its resumption of global business. Police officers have by now made nearly 2,200 home visits to make sure Canadians are complying with the self-isolation rule. The border deal with the US is extended until June 21.
First quarantine requirements announced A requirement of a quarantine plan for all returning international travellers prior to entry is announced by the Prime Minister.
March 24, 2020 - ### First isolation requirement introduced Mandatory 14-day self-isolation for those returning from international travel announced by the Government of Canada.
Foreign citizens travelling from America banned Travel restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals from the United States are announced.
The US and Canada make a mutual agreement; now people in the US cannot travel to Canada Travellers from the United States are also banned in a mutual agreement with the US government (with exceptions in place for family members, for essential employees who commute across the border and to ensure continued exchange of goods). Most international flights were routed to only four airports in Canada in order "to enhance screening measures". Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne also announced that for citizens who are still abroad, the country would provide emergency loans of up to $5,000 to cover travel costs or basic needs until they are able to return.
Canada first closes borders, announcement that restrictions would start on March 18 On March 16, Trudeau announced that new entry restrictions would be implemented shortly after midnight on March 18, restricting entry into the country to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and their immediate families. The United States was exempt from this policy.
Travel advisory warning against ALL non-essential travel outside Canada issued by Government of Canada In line with foreign governments’ actions, the government of Canada follows by implementing special entry and exit and movement restrictions. The global actions mean that disruption for Canadians’ travel plans is likely. As a result, the Government of Canada advises Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice. Canadians currently outside the country are told to find out what commercial options are still available and consider returning to Canada earlier than planned if these options are becoming more limited. Trudeau announced that the federal government was preparing a stimulus package to address those affected by the pandemic.
The Canadian government advises against non-essential travel to COVID-19 affected countries In March 2020, the world and Canada were still at the very start of the COVID-19 journey. Two areas are found to be of concern, and the government says to avoid first Italy on March 2, 2020, then Iran on March 6, 2020. On Mar 9, 2020, a travel advisory warning against all cruise ship travel was issued by the Government of Canada. On Mar 13, 2020, the cruise ship season was officially postponed.
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