Vacations Abroad Are Still A No-Go As You May Be ‘Forced To Remain’ Outside Of Canada

Despite more relaxed travel rules for fully vaccinated Canadians, the federal government continues to "strongly advise" against all non-essential trips abroad, including vacations.

In a notice shared earlier this week, the feds explained that "travel continues to present a risk of importing cases of COVID-19 and its variants."

The statement also noted that travel restrictions worldwide continue to change regularly and can be updated with "little warning."

For this reason, the feds warn that any international travel plans could be "severely disrupted."

"For example, you may be forced to remain outside of Canada longer than expected," it added. The notice also warned Canadians that they should not rely on the government to provide assistance if their travel plans change.

As of June 2021, Canada's level of risk remains at Level 3, which acts as a "warning to avoid non-essential travel in order to protect the health of Canadian travellers and the Canadian public."

What about fully vaccinated Canadians, though?

The feds recently announced that it would become easier for eligible fully vaccinated Canadians to travel abroad.

This is because, from July 5 onwards, fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents will be able to skip the two-week quarantine and hotel stopover. They will also be exempt from taking a day-eight COVID-19 test.

Although it has become simpler in some ways for fully vaccinated Canadians to take a discretionary trip overseas, the government is still urging them not to travel right now.

Just like Canadians who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, there are still practical risks associated with taking an international vacation, including the possibility of being stuck in another country if Canada's travel rules change.

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.