These Places Won’t Accept Canadians Right Now Because Of The COVID-19 Vaccine They Got

As pandemic-related restrictions begin to ease in Canada and across the rest of the world, millions of Canadians may face extra hurdles due to the COVID-19 vaccine they received.

Some COVID-19 vaccines that have been given the go-ahead in Canada have not been approved elsewhere in the world. This means that a significant number of people may be considered fully vaccinated in Canada, but not in other places.

Here are some examples of the countries, cruise ships and venues where Canadians could face difficulties in the near future.

Countries

Each individual country around the world has its own policies when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines.

While some have approved the same vaccine courses as Canada, others have approved different ones entirely. For this reason, it's important to double-check all vaccine requirements at your destination before travelling abroad.

For example, Trinidad and Tobago does not currently accept non-national travellers who have received a mix of Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. It does recognize a combination of AstraZeneca and Pfizer or AstraZeneca and Moderna, though.

Non-nationals who are not considered to be fully vaccinated are unable to visit Trinidad and Tobago at this time.

The same applies in European countries like Germany and France. Both regions only accept a combination of AstraZeneca and Pfizer or Moderna, as opposed to two different mRNA vaccines. Those who are not considered fully vaccinated are required to present additional COVID-19 tests to visit.

Canadians who received the COVISHIELD version of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine may also face complications, as several countries do not recognize it. This includes places like Portugal, Poland and Italy.

Cruise Ships

Canadians who like to vacation on cruise ships may also face additional complications if they received mixed doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Companies like Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises have all confirmed that they will not accept passengers who have received an AstraZeneca dose combined with an mRNA vaccine dose when departing from U.S. ports, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) guidance.

Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean do not recognize any mix of COVID-19 vaccines at all when departing U.S. ports but will accept some combinations from non-American ports.

Concerts & Tourism

The U.S. doesn't currently require vaccinations for air travellers from Canada. However, parts of the country are now introducing proof of vaccination requirements for indoor activities.

For example, New York City recently introduced a policy requiring those visiting indoor restaurants, gyms and entertainment venues to have received at least one dose of a vaccine.

Similarly, a Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett concert is set to require full vaccination under New York state's guidelines.

The region's guidelines currently follow guidance from the CDC, which has not approved the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine or mix-and-match combinations with AstraZeneca.

It's not yet clear whether Canadians who have been vaccinated with one or more doses of AstraZeneca will qualify as "fully vaccinated" in these circumstances.

So, what now?

In response, Quebec has offered a third dose to residents who want to travel to places that don't currently recognize their vaccination status.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also made it clear that the feds will continue to "work with the international community to make sure that people who are fully vaccinated in ways that Canadians recognize as safe and effective are also recognized around the world."

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