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Wed Nov

Canada announces updates to its travel regulations

Syed Khan – November 22, 2021

As Canada gets back on track and opens its borders, the Canadian federal government has laid out its plan regarding travel to and from the country and announced updates regarding its border and travel restrictions.

Quote by Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos:

“Health and safety will always remain at the forefront of any decision our government makes in the fight against COVID-19. The upcoming changes to Canada’s border testing and entry requirements reflect the next stage in our government’s approach as we align with the improving vaccination rates both here in Canada and around the world. The situation at our borders remains closely monitored, with officials and experts continuing their work to evaluate the measures in place and recommend necessary adjustments as required.”

Quote by Immigration Minister Sean Fraser:

“Requiring foreign nationals to be fully vaccinated adds another important layer of protection at the border. Many foreign nationals and international students arriving in Canada are already fully vaccinated, and the measures announced today will help ensure that Canadians remain protected against COVID-19 as the economy reopens and international travel returns.”

In an announcement were made by the IRCC on November 19, the following updates were announced to Canada’s travel policies:

  • For travelers undertaking short trips of less than 72 hours across the land or air border: Testing requirements have been removed. They no longer need to provide a pre-entry molecular test provided they can prove that they were away from the country for less than 72 hours.
  • For travelers undertaking trips of more than 72 hours across the land or air border: Travelers have to show a pre-entry molecular test taken 72 hours before arriving, regardless of their vaccination status. PCR tests / Antigen tests are no longer accepted
  • Addition of vaccines to the list of acceptable vaccines:  The following vaccines have been added to the list of accepted vaccines. 1. Sinopharm, 2. Sinovac, 3. COVAXIN.
  • Vaccination mandatory for travel: A PCR test is no longer accepted unless the traveler is under the special medical exemption. Starting from 30 November, proof of vaccination is mandatory for travel. After 15 January, partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travelers can only enter Canada if they are exempted. Exempted groups include:
  • New permanent residents arriving in Canada
  • Agricultural workers
  • Food processing workers
  • Marine crew members
  • Those entering on compassionate grounds
  • Resettling refugees
  • Dependent children under age 18 (Exemptions apply)

For more information, visit the IRCC website ( https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2021/11/government-of-canada-announces-adjustments-to-canadas-border-measures.html ) or contact ICanHelpImmigration Services for a detailed consultation.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, Canada's No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need

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