Maple News reports that Canada is easing its border restrictions as part of a phased, science-based reopening plan. Effective July 5, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fully vaccinated travellers who are exempt from the current travel restrictions will no longer be required to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on the eighth day after arrival.
Travellers entering Canada before this date must continue to follow the existing rules, including mandatory quarantine and testing requirements. The changes come as Canada continues to expand vaccine coverage and review public health data.
Those eligible to enter Canada include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members. In addition, certain temporary foreign workers and international students attending educational institutions with approved COVID-19 readiness plans are permitted entry. As of June 21, 2021, individuals with valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) documents are also allowed to travel to Canada.
To qualify as fully vaccinated under Canadian guidelines, travellers must provide proof of receiving a vaccine approved by Health Canada. Acceptable vaccines include two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or AstraZeneca, or one dose of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. All doses must be completed at least 14 days prior to entry.
Proof of vaccination must be presented in English or French, or with a certified translation. Travellers who received doses in different provinces or countries should ensure they carry appropriate documentation for both doses.
Although the quarantine requirement is waived for eligible vaccinated individuals, prospective travellers are still advised to prepare a quarantine plan in case they do not meet the entry criteria upon arrival. The government will continue to enforce travel-related public health rules at entry points.
Canada’s Health Minister Patty Hajdu announced that the federal government is developing a standardized proof-of-vaccination system, intended to facilitate safe reopening and travel management.
These updates mark a significant step in the country’s cautious reopening of international borders, providing families and newcomers with the assurance needed to plan trips and immigration timelines.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on evolving policies that impact international travellers, immigrants, and students coming to Canada.