Maple News reports that effective July 5, Canada has launched the first phase of its travel restriction rollback, introducing significant changes for fully vaccinated travellers entering the country.
As of 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on July 5, fully vaccinated individuals who are exempt from Canada’s border closures are no longer required to quarantine upon arrival. Additionally, these travellers are no longer obligated to stay in a government-approved hotel while awaiting on-arrival test results, nor do they need to complete the previously mandated day-eight COVID-19 test.
However, unvaccinated children and dependent adults accompanying fully vaccinated travellers must still complete a 14-day quarantine. They are exempt from hotel quarantine but must fulfill all required isolation guidelines.
To qualify for these relaxed measures, travellers must be asymptomatic, show proof of full vaccination with a Canadian-approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to entry, and submit their documents and quarantine plan through the ArriveCAN app or website. Acceptable proof of vaccination must be in English or French—or accompanied by a certified translation.
Currently, Canada recognizes vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Both domestic and international travellers are eligible, provided they were immunized with one of the accepted vaccines. Authorities will update the list as more vaccines gain approval.
Travellers who previously tested positive for COVID-19 but have since recovered must present proof of a positive test taken between 14 and 90 days before their departure.
Despite this easing, Canada’s borders remain closed to non-essential travel for unvaccinated people until at least July 21. Exceptions are in place for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, their immediate and extended family members, temporary foreign workers, international students attending approved institutions, and those travelling for compassionate reasons, such as funerals.
To help travellers determine their eligibility to enter Canada, the government has launched an online tool that outlines current exemptions and guidelines.
These adjustments mark a critical step in Canada’s gradual reopening strategy, balancing public health priorities with facilitating essential international mobility.