Feds Warn That Canadians Who Decide To Travel Could Be 'Forced To Remain Outside Of Canada'

The federal government is doubling down on its travel advice for Canadians, warning that restrictions could result in travel plans being “severely disrupted.”

Back in December, the feds announced that Canada’s international travel advisory would be shifting to Level 3 — which means that Canadians should "avoid non-essential travel."

The advisory is guidance, rather than a set rule, which means people are still permitted to take discretionary trips abroad if they want to.

At the same time, officials reinstated pre-arrival PCR testing for all incoming travellers, regardless of their vaccination status or the length of their trip.

In a statement announcing these stricter measures, the government warned that that travel restrictions continue to change quickly and with little notice in some cases, which means Canadians could face unexpected lockdowns or quarantine periods overseas.

“Should Canadians choose to travel outside Canada, they need to recognize travel plans may be severely disrupted and they may be forced to remain outside of Canada longer than expected,” read the notice.

It added, “Canadians should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to travel plans.”

Federal officials recently described the COVID-19 situation in other countries as “both risky and unstable" and told those thinking of travelling around the holidays that it should be “a serious alarm bell.”

The comments and updated travel restrictions come as cases of the Omicron variant continue to spread both in Canada and globally. On January 12, Dr. Anthony Fauci warned that it is likely to "find just about everybody."

The Government of Canada is urging all eligible people, whether or not they're hoping to travel domestically or internationally, to get a booster dose as soon as they can.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.