As vaccination rates across Canada continue to rise, government officials are turning their attention to the future of international travel and how to safely reopen borders. Maple News reports that discussions are underway to implement a system that would allow vaccinated Canadians to prove their immunization status when traveling abroad.
Health Minister Patty Hajdu has confirmed that Ottawa is exploring options for a secure certification, commonly referred to as a ‘vaccine passport’, that would permit fully vaccinated Canadians to travel internationally. “Canadians are going to want to travel,” Hajdu told CBC Radio’s The House. “We need to be ready with systems that support safe and seamless travel in a post-pandemic world.”
Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino echoed this sentiment during a recent virtual press conference. He emphasized Canada’s commitment to collaborating with international partners on a standardized approach to vaccination verification. “Canada needs to be at the international tables where these discussions are taking place,” Mendicino said. “Our department is actively working alongside Health Canada to ensure Canadians are part of a coordinated global travel reopening strategy.”
Globally, countries are moving quickly to implement similar initiatives. The European Commission has proposed easing restrictions for vaccinated visitors, allowing entry for travelers who have received EU-approved COVID-19 vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this step is part of a broader push to revive the continent’s travel and tourism industry.
Similarly, the United Kingdom plans to adapt its National Health Service (NHS) app to serve as a digital vaccine certificate. Israel’s Green Pass system—already in use domestically to grant access to venues such as restaurants and stadiums—is also being expanded to enable international travel.
These global moves underscore the growing momentum toward a unified approach to vaccine certification. By aligning its efforts with international standards, Canada aims not only to protect public health but also to restore economic activity tied to travel, tourism, and immigration.
While details of Canada’s vaccine passport system are still being defined, the government’s intention is clear: to build a responsible framework that balances travel freedoms with health and safety. As Maple News reports, the success of these efforts will be instrumental in setting the pace for Canada’s reentry into the global travel landscape.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as Canada prepares for a cautious but hopeful reopening of international mobility.