More than two-and-a-half years after closing its borders due to the pandemic, the Government of Canada will, on October 1, 2022, lift all COVID-19 entry restrictions as well as testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada.
In a press release issued on Monday (September 26, 2022), the Public Health Agency of Canada explained that a number of factors have made lifting the border measures possible. These factors include modeling that indicates Canada has largely passed the peak of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 fueled wave; the county’s high vaccination rates, lower hospitalization and death rates; and the availability and use of vaccine boosters (including new bivalent formulation), rapid tests, and treatments for COVID-19.
Thanks largely to Canadians who have rolled up their sleeves to get vaccinated, we have reached the point where we can safely lift the sanitary measures at the border. However, we expect COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses will continue to circulate over the cold months, so I encourage everyone to stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination, including booster doses and exercise individual public health measures. I also thank the dedicated public health officers and frontline staff at our land borders and airports who have worked tirelessly to protect the health and safety of people of Canada for the last two years. ~ The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health
As a result, as of October 1st, all travelers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:
- submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
- provide proof of vaccination;
- undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
- carry out COVID 19-related quarantine or isolation;
- monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving in Canada.
Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements, so as of October 1, 2022, travelers will no longer be required to undergo health checks for travel on air and rail, or wear masks on planes and trains.
The release notes that while the masking requirement is being lifted, it’s recommended that travelers wear high-quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.
In addition, cruise measures are being lifted. Travelers will no longer be required to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated, or use ArriveCAN. A set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew. These guidelines will align with the approach used in the United States.
For more information visit Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories.