Maple News reports that Canada has implemented its relaxed border measures for fully vaccinated travellers nearly 24 hours ahead of its original schedule. As of July 5 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time, eligible travellers who are fully vaccinated no longer need to quarantine for 14 days or stay in a government-authorized hotel while awaiting on-arrival COVID-19 test results.
Previously, the policy was expected to come into effect at 11:59 p.m. on July 5, meaning travellers arriving earlier that day would have been subject to the existing restrictions. With the rule now activated at the start of the day, many gained early benefit from the country’s evolving travel policies.
To qualify for the eased restrictions, travellers must meet three key criteria. First, they must be eligible to enter Canada under current travel restrictions, such as Canadian citizens, permanent residents, approved temporary foreign workers, and international students attending a designated institution. Second, travellers must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by Health Canada—namely Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca (including COVISHIELD), or Johnson & Johnson. The final dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to arrival.
Third, travellers must meet all public health entry requirements. This includes submitting proof of a negative pre-arrival COVID-19 test and providing required documents through the updated ArriveCAN app, available on desktop and mobile platforms. Vaccination documents must be submitted in English or French, or accompanied by a certified translation.
The government has updated the ArriveCAN app to accommodate this policy change. Those unable to use the app directly may authorize friends or family to submit documents on their behalf. The tool has played a crucial role during the pandemic in streamlining communication between travellers and border officials.
Maple News notes that these relaxed measures apply only to fully vaccinated individuals. Travellers who don’t meet the vaccination criteria remain subject to all previous requirements, including the full 14-day quarantine, as well as testing upon arrival and on day eight. Air passengers in this group are still required to spend time in a quarantine hotel until their on-arrival test results are confirmed.
Canada’s broader border restrictions remain in place through at least July 21. Leisure travel from non-essential visitors continues to be prohibited, although Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has suggested that further loosening of restrictions may occur in the coming weeks as vaccination coverage increases nationwide.