Starting September 7, fully vaccinated tourists from all countries will be allowed to fly to Canada again. Vaccinated U.S. tourists are already welcome in Canada as of August 9. Hotel quarantine will also be abolished as of August 9, and more airports will be opened for international flights.
Traveling as a tourist to Canada
Canada has announced that it will welcome tourists again! Vaccinated tourists with U.S. citizenship will be allowed to travel into the country starting August 9, and fully vaccinated tourists from all countries will be welcome starting September 7.
To be considered “fully vaccinated,” travelers must have the recommended dosage of a vaccine approved for use in Canada. The last shot must have been administered at least 14 days prior to entry. Currently, Canada accepts the following vaccine manufacturers: Astra Zeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). All results must be submitted in French or English, otherwise, a certified translation is required.
Airlines will check that travelers coming to Canada have submitted their data via the ArriveCAN app before they are allowed to board.
Restrictions will not be adjusted for travelers who have not been vaccinated or have incomplete vaccinations. These individuals cannot travel to Canada as tourists unless specifically exempted. Unvaccinated travelers with an approved visa application such as a work permit, study permit, or permanent visa are usually allowed to travel under certain conditions but will have to comply with all testing and quarantine measures.
Testing Requirements
All travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, must still undergo molecular COVID-19 testing prior to travel to Canada. However, effective August 9, 2021, the Government of Canada is modifying its post-arrival testing strategy for fully vaccinated travelers. Testing after arrival in Canada will no longer be required, with the exception of random selection for molecular COVID-19 testing on day 1.
Those who have recovered from COVID-19 but still test positive can have their test between 14 and 180 days before arrival. Previously, this was only 90 days. Otherwise, there are no changes to the mandatory testing requirements for unvaccinated travelers.
Quarantine Requirements
The requirement for three nights of hotel quarantine will be removed for all travelers arriving by air as of 12:01 A.M. EDT on August 9. Fully vaccinated travelers who meet the requirements will be exempt from quarantine; however, all travelers must still submit a quarantine plan and be prepared to quarantine in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet the necessary requirements.
Canada will adjust the rules for children under 12 who are not eligible for a vaccine. Starting August 9, unvaccinated children of fully vaccinated travelers will no longer have to go through the full 14-day quarantine. They must still comply with all travel and testing requirements, including the test upon arrival and the test on day eight. Children should avoid group environments such as school and daycare during the two weeks following their arrival in Canada.
Airports for international flights
As of August 9, five other airports will also allow international flights again. Halifax, Quebec City, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Edmonton airports will now be open for international flights. Throughout the pandemic, the only airports accepting international arrivals were Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal.