Canada extends restrictions on international travelers

Canada has recently announced to extend travel restrictions. The new restrictions will remain by the date May 21, 2021. International travelers from all countries including the United States will be banned from entering Canada. As of now, only four major Canadian airports are accepting international flights – Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Montreal. Travelers who are exempt from travel restrictions must show their negative COVID-19 report and the test must be taken within 72 hours before flying to Canada. Then, another covid test will be done upon their arrival. Also, travelers have to quarantine for three days in a government-approved hotel only in order to wait for their test results. The quarantine period has also been extended by the government. Incoming travelers must stay in quarantine for up to 14 days. Only essential travelers such as emergency service providers, truck drivers, some specialists are exempt from the requirement of a mandatory quarantine period.

Are vaccinated people allowed to enter Canada?

Currently, there is a lack of certainty whether vaccinated people can be transmitters of the virus or not. So, Canada is now monitoring the effectiveness of vaccines. The prime minister has said that the country requires appropriate measures for vaccinated people too, especially those who have used vaccines that are unauthorized by Canada. Thus, vaccinated travelers are not allowed to travel to Canada as of now.

Who can travel to Canada?

Only permanent residents, Canadian citizens, and their family members are approved to travel to Canada. Some international students and temporary foreign workers are also given permission to travel. Protected people and other travelers coming to Canada on compassionate grounds are also permitted to travel.

Following are the compassionate reasons:

To provide support and care to someone who is severely ill
To provide medical support
To attend a funeral
To be present with a loved one in his or her final life moments

Travelers have to submit an application to pass over the quarantine period on compassionate grounds. However, please note that Canadian border services officers have the final authority to allow you to enter Canada.