Fully Vaxxed Canadians May Still Have To Spend Hundreds On COVID-19 Testing To Go Abroad
Here's what you need to know.💰
Although some of Canada's travel restrictions have recently been relaxed for eligible fully vaccinated Canadians, there's still a lot to consider before booking a trip abroad.
Since July 5, fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents have been permitted to skip the mandatory two-week quarantine period and hotel stopover, in addition to the post-arrival COVID-19 test on day eight.
However, there are still plenty of costs and possible complications associated with travelling abroad right now, particularly related to COVID-19 testing.
In Canada, the federal government will cover the cost of arrival COVID-19 testing. However, Canadian travellers who are returning home must still arrange and pay for their own pre-arrival test (taken within 72 hours of their departure to Canada.)
Depending on the country they've been staying in, this could cost hundreds of dollars.
That's not all. Some vacation destinations — including places like the U.S., Jamaica and Saint Lucia — also require proof of a negative test upon arrival (even for fully vaccinated travellers).
This means Canadians heading for these destinations will be required to fork out for another COVID-19 test, which, again, could cost more than $100.
Those travelling as couples or families will need to pay these costs per person, which means a group of four could end up handing over almost $800 for COVID-19 testing alone!
Is this the case globally?
Not all countries have the same incoming travel requirements and some are now allowing fully vaccinated travellers to enter with little-to-no restrictions, like Greece, France and Italy.
The most important thing is to check and double-check your destination's travel restrictions and be prepared to follow their rules.
It's also worth keeping in mind that the Government of Canada continues to advise against all non-essential travel right now, including for fully vaccinated Canadians.
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.