Canada Reopens Borders to Fully Vaccinated Travelers

As of September 7, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers are eligible to enter Canada for non-essential travel. Coming to Canada under the fully vaccinated traveler exemption? Here’s what you need to know.

Who is considered fully vaccinated?

To be deemed fully vaccinated under this exemption, a traveler must have received, and provide proof of, the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada. The full series of the vaccine must have been completed at least 14 days prior to entering Canada.

Canada is currently accepting the following vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)

Individuals that are not fully vaccinated must be exempt under Canada’s current restrictions in order to enter the country. Those currently permitted to enter Canada include permanent residents or citizens, COPR holders, individuals holding a study or work permit, diplomats, or those travelling for essential reasons. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated must quarantine for 14 days upon arriving to Canada.

Preparing to travel to Canada

Travelers must provide a pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test result that has been taken no more than 72 hours before their flight or arrival at the land border crossing. If the traveler tests positive, they must provide a previous positive test result taken between 14 and 180 days prior to their departure for Canada.  Antigen tests are not accepted.

Prior to traveling, individuals must submit their information via ArriveCAN, including proof of vaccination and a quarantine plan. A quarantine plan should be prepared even if an individual is fully vaccinated, in the case that they do not meet the exemptions.

Travelers must not be symptomatic when travelling to Canada.

Travelling with unvaccinated children

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 may accompany their eligible, fully vaccinated parents and are not required to quarantine upon arrival. However, these children cannot attend school or daycare for 14 days after arriving to Canada.

Children between the ages of 12 and 17 travelling with eligible, fully vaccinated parents may enter Canada, but must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

A COVID-19 test is required for all unvaccinated children over the age of five upon arrival and 8 days after arrival to Canada.

Prepare for delays

International airports across Canada anticipate an influx of travelers coming from abroad. The Toronto Pearson Airport is urging passengers to plan accordingly and expect delays.  Travelers should expect the arrival process to take one to three hours longer due to new COVID-19 screening measures.

Flying to Canada from India or Morocco

Flights to Canada from India and Morocco continue to be suspended. Individuals coming from these countries must arrive via a third country, where a negative COVID-19 test must be taken 72 prior to departure.