Canadians no longer have to show proof of COVID vaccination to board domestic flights and trains or outbound flights abroad starting June 20. The vaccine, testing and quarantine requirements for international travel have not changed. At 00:01 Eastern Time on June 20, Canada ended the vaccine mandate for domestic air and travellers and outbound air and train travel, as well as for federally regulated transportation sectors and federal government employees. According to a press release by the Canadian government announcing that Canada ends vaccine mandate for domestic travellers, nearly 90% of Canadians (32 million) have been vaccinated against COVID and case counts have decreased, according to Canadian government officials.
- Vaccination requirements for passengers and crew of cruise ships remain in effect.
- All other public health measures including wearing a mask, are still required on planes, trains and ships for anyone above age 2 on both domestic and international trips.
- Canada suspended random COVID-19 testing at all airports between Saturday, June 11 and Thursday, June 30, 2022, to address congestion at the airport as there are more travellers.
- Current border measures, including the existing vaccination requirement for most foreign nationals to enter Canada, and quarantine and testing requirements for Canadians who have not received their primary vaccine series, remain in effect.
- To be considered fully vaccinated, travellers need 2 doses of an approved COVID or 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson.
The mandatory vaccination requirement successfully mitigated the full impact of COVID-19 for travellers and workers in the transportation sector and provided broader protection to our communities. Suspending this requirement is possible thanks to the tens of millions of Canadians who did the right thing: they stepped up, rolled up their sleeves, and got vaccinated. This action will support Canada’s transportation system as we recover from the pandemic.
- The Honourable Omar Alghabra,
Minister of Transport of Canada
US Ends COVID Test Requirement for International Air Travellers
On June 12, the United States ended its requirement for air travellers to get a negative COVID-19 test before entering the U.S. The U.S. mandate to wear masks on planes, trains and other forms of public transportation ended in April.
Contact Ackah Law Before You Try to Cross the Border
An experienced immigration professional can help qualified travellers cross the border into Canada, and help prepare your immigration application. If you have questions about travel and immigration to Canada, contact Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452-9515 or email contact@ackahlaw.com.
