COVID-19 border and travel restrictions lifted effective October 1, 2022.

October 4, 2022

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has announced changes to travel requirements and other matters related to COVID-19 which became effective October 1, 2022.

I have provided a brief summary of the changes below.

Click »» here to read the full government announcement.

Entry to Canada
All travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:

  • submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
  • provide proof of vaccination;
  • undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
  • carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
  • monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.

In addition, air carriers will no longer need to validate if travellers have entered information in ArriveCAN before boarding.

Travel within Canada
Transport Canada is removing existing travel requirements. Travellers will no longer be required to:

  • undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or
  • wear masks on planes and trains.

Travellers must follow any provincial or territorial COVID-19 requirements as applicable.

Cruises
Cruise measures are also being lifted, and travellers will no longer be required to:

  • have pre-board tests;
  • be vaccinated; or 
  • use ArriveCAN. 

A set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.

Reminders
Individuals are reminded that they should not travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. If travellers become sick while travelling, and are still sick when they arrive in Canada, they should inform a flight attendant, cruise staff, or a border services officer upon arrival.

Travellers should make informed decisions when considering travel outside of Canada to protect their health and safety. You are encouraged to review the travel advice at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories for more information on safe travel.

The PHAC also recommends that before Canadians travel to another country, they receive their primary COVID-19 vaccine series and complete any additional recommended doses at least 14 days before their departure, along with any other vaccines required for their destination.

Although masking requirements have been lifted, the PHAC strongly recommends that “all travellers wear high quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.”

In an accompanying ‘backgrounder’, the Agency also says:
“The COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet. There is still the possibility of a future resurgence in cases this fall or of a new variant of concern. For this reason, it is important for individuals to remain up to date with the recommended vaccinations, including booster doses when eligible, and to keep up with personal protective habits (e.g., handwashing), wearing high quality and well-fitted masks in poorly ventilated and crowded places, and staying home if they have symptoms.”

I hope you find this information helpful.

Please contact me with any questions you may have or for assistance working through your staffing matters.