Canada approves three more vaccines and plans new measures at the border
The rules go into effect as early as this week.
On November 19, the Government of Canada updated the border-crossing rules, which take effect on November 30, 2021.
Currently, entry into Canada is open to those coming on an immigrant, work or student visa, regardless of whether they are vaccinated. Tourists, on the other hand, can only enter the country if they are fully vaccinated with one of Canada's approved medicines. Starting Nov. 30, Canada will expand the list of vaccines accepted. It will add:
- Sinopharm;
- Sinovac;
- Covaxin.
In addition to them, Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson are recognized in Canada.
Also on November 30, new rules for travel within the country and abroad will come into effect. Only fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and residents will be able to travel by sea, air and rail. A COVID-19 test is required when entering from abroad. However, as of November 30, this requirement will be waived for those who leave Canada and return within 72 hours.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last week that Canada is planning a three-phase elimination of the test requirement. The next phase is expected to allow U.S. residents to enter without a test, and then travelers from other countries.
Other measures at the Canadian border will take effect on January 15, 2022. All travellers who are allowed to enter the country will be required to show a certificate of full vaccination:
- family members of Canadian citizens and residents;
- international students aged 18 and over;
- athletes;
- work permit holders.
Approved vaccines will be accepted. Only certain travellers who fall under an exemption will be able to come without vaccination, e.g:
- agricultural and food workers;
- crew members of seagoing vessels;
- people arriving as refugees or under a humanitarian programme;
- some travelers under the age of 18.
These categories of travelers are exempt from mandatory vaccination, but must present a negative test for COVID-19 and observe a 14-day self-exclusion after arrival.
Read the current rules for crossing the Canadian border in our article.
