Here's What Canada's Travel Restrictions For Unvaccinated People Look Like

The rules around Canada's travel restrictions may have recently changed, but many of the adjustments only apply to people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Government of Canada is changing its global travel advisory from a Level 3 to a Level 2, meaning it will no longer warn Canadians to avoid travel for non-essential purposes, but will instead ask them to "exercise a high degree of caution."

"Travellers should understand the risks that are still associated with international travel given the high incidence of Omicron, and take necessary precautions," warns the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Here's what you need to know if you're planning a trip but are not fully vaccinated.

Going abroad

If you're 12 years old plus four months, or older than that, you'll need to be fully vaccinated to take most forms of transportation that'll get you from one country to another, according to the government.

This applies to "domestic or international flights departing from most airports in Canada, including charter and foreign airlines carrying commercial passengers."

If you're planning on travelling by rail, you also need to be fully vaccinated to board Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail trains.

If you qualify for an exemption to the mandatory vaccination requirement for air and rail travel, you may need a valid COVID-19 molecular test that has been taken no more than 72 hours before boarding a flight or train.

Returning to Canada

When you're coming back into the country, you'll need a pre-entry test and will need to test on arrival and on day eight of your 14-day quarantine.

Other requirements for unvaccinated travellers include being asymptomatic upon arrival in Canada and having a suitable quarantine plan.

If you don't have a suitable plan, you might have to go to a designated quarantine facility.

When it comes to testing, you'll have to take a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test.

"Within 72 hours before your arrival to Canada or prior to the scheduled departure of your flight to Canada: take a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test," says PHAC.

As of February 28, 2022, you can also use a rapid antigen test to meet that pre-entry testing requirement.

However, it must be authorized by the country in which it was purchased and be administered by a laboratory, health care entity or telehealth service the day before your scheduled flight or arrival at the border.

You can also show proof of a positive molecular test result received in the past 10 to 180 days.

All travellers have to use the ArriveCAN app to enter information before entering Canada.

Unvaccinated foreign nationals

As of January 15, 2022, all foreign nationals must be fully vaccinated to enter Canada unless otherwise exempt, according to the government.

"Notable exemptions are included for unvaccinated new permanent residents, refugees, temporary foreign workers in agriculture or food-processing occupations, asylum claimants, and some minors under the age of 18."

Regular travel documents are still required for entry into the country.

Health Canada has a robust website with all the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines and can answer any questions you may have.

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