Canada has announced an extension of its travel restrictions for non-essential international visitors until July 21, 2021, Maple News reports. Public Safety Minister Bill Blair confirmed the update via social media on June 18, while signaling upcoming changes for those fully vaccinated.
According to Minister Blair, the federal government is preparing new entry measures for fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and others currently exempt from restrictions. Further details were expected on June 21, as the country continues to refine its border policies based on public health data.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau elaborated on the government’s framework for verifying vaccination status. In the short term, travellers will be required to submit proof of vaccination through the ArriveCAN app. Looking long term, a nationwide certification system—likely coordinated with provincial governments—is in development and could eventually be internationally recognized.
Canada’s definition of “fully vaccinated” will only apply to those who have received one of the four COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the country: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson.
Since closing its borders to non-essential travellers in March 2020, Canada has implemented a series of evolving safety protocols. These include pre- and post-arrival COVID tests, mandatory 14-day quarantines, and, more recently, a hotel quarantine requirement for incoming international passengers pending test results.
Exempt groups—allowed entry during these restrictions—include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, their immediate and extended family members, international students enrolled at designated institutions with COVID-19 readiness plans, certain work permit holders, and compassionate travellers such as those attending funerals.
While the latest extension maintains the travel ban into late July, the planned changes for vaccinated individuals mark a potential turning point in Canada’s approach to border management, especially as vaccination rates continue to rise and demands for easing restrictions grow among citizens and businesses.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments on Canada’s evolving border policies and provide timely updates for travellers and immigration applicants.