March 24, 2023
Canada Vaccine Requirements
Before you execute the travel plans and go to Canada, you need to meet all the entry conditions and check the requirements. But we have a good news for most visitors who would like to trip to Canada as there is no need to have proof of vaccination or tests to board the plane. Only the visitors from China, Hong Kong, and Macao must provide test results to do so.
Do you need vaccination to enter Canada?
In October 2022, the Canadian government stated that all border measures and requirements regarding COVID-19 ended. This includes vaccination, testing, quarantine, isolation, and the use of ArriveCAN. So generally, you don’t need to show proof of vaccination to enter Canada.
What are the tests and vaccination requirements for Canada?
Travelers entering Canada (or returning to it) by air, marine, or land don’t need to:
- have proof of vaccination for COVID-19
- provide pre-board testing (unless they travel from China, Hong Kong, or Macao)
- have COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests
- undergo quarantine
- use ArriveCAN (however, you can use its features to complete declaration)
- provide pre-boarding tests for cruise passengers
- undergo health checks to board a plane
- wear masks on planes or trains (but it is recommended).
You must have the required travel documents to visit Canada. In case of COVID-19 symptoms, you shouldn’t enter Canada. If you feel sick upon arrival or during your trip, it is recommended to:
- inform the cruise staff, border services, or flight attendant about your state
- don’t use public transportation
- check the territorial/provincial requirements.
Do I need to quarantine when arriving in Canada?
The quarantine is no longer required when arriving in Canada. Also, you don’t need to show proof of vaccination. However, it is recommended to follow the updated information on the official government website.
Do I need a health declaration to enter Canada?
Right now, a health declaration is not necessary to go to Canada. Remember that you need to meet all the other requirements in order to travel to the country without problems.
Pre-boarding test COVID-19 requirements for air travel from China, Hong Kong, and Macao
Test to board a plane
Visitors who are 2 years old or more and travel from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, or Macao need to undergo required health checks. They must show negative COVID-19 test results, no matter their vaccination status or citizenship, if:
- They travel to Canada from other countries through connecting flights.
- They transiting through Canada.
You don’t need to have a test result when you transit through China, Hong Kong, or Macao and for less than 24 hours. When it comes to the test, you must provide up-to-date negative COVID-19 results taken 2 days or less before the departure time of the flight from China, Macao, or Hong Kong.
The test should be a negative molecular one (like PCR) or a negative antigen one. You must present the test to the airline while boarding in China, Hong Kong, or Macao. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to board a plane in case you don’t have valid test results.
Proof of results
It is required to show the paper or electronic test result, including detailed information, such as:
- name and age (or date of birth)
- address of the laboratory or testing provider who performed the test
- date when the test was conducted
- type of the test
- the test result.
Important! Visitors must provide the test results even when they have proof of vaccination in order to meet the Canada entry requirements. Keep the proof until you leave the airport.
Stay Healthy and Safe
It is advisable to follow these simple steps to avoid spreading illnesses during a journey:
- Hands should be washed frequently, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) to clean your hands.
- Make sure your hands are clean before touching your face. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands).
- Don’t meet with sick people.
- Stay home in case you are ill.