Canada will abolish quarantine hotels, but not for everyone
Some travelers will be exempt from the requirement to stay in a hotel upon arrival, as well as comply with a two-week self-imposed exclusion.
As of February 2021, Canada has a mandatory hotel quarantine for those arriving from abroad. Those arriving must spend up to 3 days in a government-approved hotel awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, which is taken on arrival. A traveler refusing quarantine could face a fine of $5,000 CAD.
Such rules have been criticized by the public and by a federal advisory group that includes infectious disease specialists and public health experts. Authorities are finally willing to go along, but the relaxation of the rules will not be for everyone.
Now, fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and residents who fly into the country from abroad will not have to comply with a 14-day self-exclusion and that includes a 3-day hotel quarantine. They will still need to take the test on arrival and comply with self-isolation until they receive a negative result. The changes will take effect in July.
Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the government is revising restrictions for vaccinated travellers. Canada's borders may soon open to foreigners who have had both COVID-19 vaccinations. The country is also continuing negotiations with the U.S. to relax border measures.
The advisory group that criticized hotel quarantine also proposed a scheme of self-exclusion requirements for fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Authorities have not yet responded to the recommendations, but are expected to reveal soon whether any restrictions will change for those who have had their first vaccination but have not yet had their second.
