New Border Regulations: What you need to know

On June 21, Canada officially relaxed some travel restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As of July 5, such travelers will be able to avoid hotel quarantine and 2-week self-isolation upon arrival in Canada from abroad. They will also not need to take the COVID-19 test on the eighth day of quarantine.

What has actually changed?

For most Canadians and foreign nationals, nothing. The changes only affect Canadian citizens and foreign residents, and foreigners who are eligible for entry. They must be vaccinated twice with one of the drugs approved in Canada: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson. The last vaccination must be given at least 14 days before travel.

Other rules for vaccinated travellers remain: they still need to take the COVID-19 test no earlier than 72 hours before flying to Canada, retest on arrival and have a quarantine plan.

Also, under the new rules, immigrants with confirmed permanent resident status are now able to enter Canada.

Can vaccinated Canadians travel?

To some extent, it has become easier, but authorities still advise avoiding non-essential travel abroad. Just because Canada has relaxed some restrictions doesn't mean other countries have done the same. Canadian citizens are still not allowed into some states. In addition, each country has its own rules on admitting tourists, which is very important to familiarize yourself with before you book your tickets.

When will the rules for the unvaccinated change?

So far, Canada has not announced new requirements for those who have had one vaccination or none at all. Mandatory testing before departure, on arrival and on the eighth day after arrival, hotel quarantine and subsequent self-exclusion remain in place for such travellers.

The government notes that further changes to border regulations are being negotiated, but it is not known if they will affect those who have not been vaccinated or have been vaccinated once.

What to do with unvaccinated children?

Canada currently vaccinates teens as young as 12 years old, which means a younger child cannot be vaccinated. Authorities acknowledge that vaccinated parents will have a little more difficulty if they are travelling with their children.

Those children arriving in Canada with vaccinated parents will have to spend 14 days in self-isolation at their place of residence or stay upon arrival, and take a test on the eighth day of quarantine. The hotel quarantine requirement is waived in this case. While the child is on isolation, the parents do not need to isolate themselves, they will be able to leave the home.

How to confirm vaccination?

Passengers arriving in Canada should confirm their vaccination status on the ArriveCAN application. You must upload information about the first and second doses received, the date and country of vaccination, and the brand of the vaccine. One should add photos, PDF files, records, or references from the organization which administered the vaccination. You may be vaccinated in any country but all documents must be in English or French, and a sworn translation will be acceptable.

What has changed at the Canada-US land border?

Nothing so far. The border remains closed until at least July 21, 2021.