Everyone has to be fully vaccinated

Last month, Canada announced the decision to mandate vaccines starting on November 30. Although roadways are not included in this requirement, the new rules apply to trains, airports, and cruise ships. All individuals entering Canada who are aged 12 and older will now have to be fully vaccinated, regardless of their immigration status or purpose of entering the country.

As it stands, only a small number of travellers are exempt from this – such as people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Those who are not vaccinated, but have entered the country before October 30, will be able to leave Canada by air until February 28 without showing proof of vaccination. They will, however, have to show a negative molecular COVID-19 test.

Another exemption applies to fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Indian Act. Travellers leaving the country and returning within 72 hours will not have to show a molecular test. Instead, they will only have to provide proof of vaccination. However, individuals who will be out of the country for more than 72 hours will have to show their negative COVID-19 test. Currently, Canada doesn’t accept antigen, or rapid, tests.

Starting November 30, the list of accepted vaccines is broader. To be considered fully immunized against COVID-19, a person must receive the full recommended dose of an approved vaccine, at least 14 days prior to their arrival. The list of approved vaccines include:

  • Sinopharm
  • Sinovac
  • COVAXIN
  • Pfizer-BioNTech
  • Moderna
  • AstraZeneca
  • Janssen/Johnson & Johnson

A traveller’s proof of vaccination must be in English or French. If it is not in one of Canada’s official languages, the traveller has to submit a certified translation of the document. They must also submit all the required information, such as proof of immunization and a quarantine plan, using the ArriveCAN app.

Until January 15, any travellers – including international students, work permit holders, and anyone coming to reunite with their families –  will be able to get in the country by providing a negative COVID-19 test and undergoing a 14-day quarantine. Afterwards, Canada will no longer allow non-fully vaccinated travellers to enter the country.