Ottawa Makes Big Changes To Border Restrictions
OTTAWA – Big changes coming around federal mask-wearing mandates and isolation requirements.
The Government of Canada announced on September 26 that all Covid-19 entry restrictions, including using the ArriveCAN app, testing, quarantine, and isolation, are no longer in effect as of Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022.
As of October 1, 2022, 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, or;
- Monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of Covid-19 upon arriving to Canada.
Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements. As of October 1, 2022, travellers will no longer be required to:
- Undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or
- Wear masks on planes and trains.
Ottawa still recommends that travellers wear high-quality masks when travelling and be aware of any symptoms they might be showing before starting their journey.
Cruise measures are also being lifted and travellers will no longer be required to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated, or use the ArriveCAN app.
A set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.
A statement from the federal government reminds Canadians 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. They may then be referred to a quarantine officer who will decide whether the traveller needs further medical assessment as Covid-19 remains one of many communicable diseases listed in the Quarantine Act.”
More details about the changes can be found here.