Effective January 15, exempt workers are required to be fully vaccinated to enter Canada. This adjustment to Canada's cross-border travel requirements was first announced on November 19 so workers, businesses and travellers had time to prepare.
Starting January 15, essential travellers must also be fully vaccinated in order to enter the country, which includes:
- individuals travelling to reunite with family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- international students over the age of 18
- professional and amateur athletes and their support staff
- individuals with a valid work permit, including temporary foreign workers
- essential service providers, including foreign truckers
To be considered fully vaccinated, travellers must have received the full recommended dose of a vaccine approved by the Canadian government.
Traveller Vaccination Exemptions
Some exempt travellers to Canada can receive a vaccination exemption only if they meet the following requirements:
- agricultural and food processing workers
- foreign marine crew members
- anyone entering on compassionate grounds
- new permanent residents
- newly resettled refugees
- children under the age of 18 who are currently exempt from the travel restrictions, including international students who are studying at a designated learning institution that has a COVID-19 readiness plan; those travelling with a parent, step-parent, tutor or guardian who is either fully vaccinated, or a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or person registered under the Indian Act; and those travelling to reunite with immediate or extended Canadian family members in Canada
- national interest exemptions
Exempt travellers who are allowed to enter Canada will be subject to testing, quarantine and other public health measures.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents cannot be denied entry into Canada. Unvaccinated Canadians need to meet all pre-entry, arrival, day-eight testing, and quarantine requirements. Any Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is symptomatic upon arrival to Canada will be directed to a Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) official and will be directed to isolate for 10 days from the time they enter Canada.
Know Before You Go
If you have questions about your eligibility to travel to Canada contact Ackah Law for assistance.
