Maple News reports that, beginning October 30 at 3 a.m., all travelers aged 12 and older departing from Canadian airports or traveling on federally regulated rail and cruise services must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This policy applies to domestic and international air passengers, VIA Rail passengers, Rocky Mountaineer travelers, and cruise ship passengers whose trips are 24 hours or longer.
Travelers who have initiated but not completed their COVID-19 vaccination series may still travel by presenting proof of a valid molecular COVID-19 test—commonly known as a PCR test—until November 29. After this date, only those meeting strict exemption criteria will be permitted to travel without full vaccination.
Foreign nationals who entered Canada before October 30 and are not fully vaccinated have been granted a transition period until February 28, 2022. During this time, they may leave Canada by air if they present a valid molecular test result at the point of departure.
Should unvaccinated individuals test positive for COVID-19 while traveling, they will be required to complete a 14-day isolation period and will not be allowed to proceed to their destination or return to their point of origin until isolation is complete.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra confirmed that exemptions will be available in exceptional cases, including for emergency travel and essential services in remote communities. While additional details are expected, the government emphasized that these exceptions will be limited.
To help enforce the new requirements, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will assist airlines and rail operators in verifying passengers’ vaccination status upon check-in and boarding.
The federal government is also rolling out a standardized Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination to support international travel. Travelers may use documents issued by their province, territory, or country of vaccination, provided they received a vaccine approved by the Government of Canada.
Maple News notes that travelers are also responsible for checking and complying with any regional or provincial health measures at their final destination within Canada. Rules may vary from one jurisdiction to another, adding an extra layer of consideration for those planning domestic or international movement.
This move signals Canada’s continued efforts to enhance public health safeguards amid ongoing global concerns around COVID-19 transmission, while also setting a clear pathway for vaccinated mobility across major transportation networks.