Effective November 30, 2021
From November 30, fully vaccinated (FV) visitors who depart and re-enter the country within 72 hours of leaving Canada do not have to present a pre-entry PCR test. Simply put, you can now leave Canada and return within 72 hours without a PCR test.
This exemption is only for:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents
- Individuals registered under the Indian Act
- Children under 12 years old
Vaccination is required for travel within and out of Canada. A valid COVID-19 molecular test is no longer accepted as an alternative to vaccination unless travellers are eligible for one of the limited exemptions, such as a medical inability to be vaccinated.
Also effective November 30, Canada expanded the list of approved vaccines and included Sinopharm, Sinovac and COVAXIN, matching the World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing.
Effective January 15, 2022
The Government of Canada also announced that as of January 15, 2022, certain groups of travellers, who are currently exempt from entry requirements, will only be allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada.
These groups include:
- individuals travelling to reunite with family;
- international students who are 18 years old and older;
- professional and amateur athletes;
- temporary workers (outside of those in agriculture and food processing); and
- essential service providers, including truck drivers.
After January 15, 2022, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will only be allowed to enter Canada if they meet the criteria for limited exceptions, which apply to certain groups such as agricultural and food processing workers, marine crew members, those entering on compassionate grounds, new permanent residents, resettling refugees and some children under the age of 18.
Exempt unvaccinated travellers will continue to be subject to testing, quarantine. Non-exempt unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will be prohibited entry into Canada.
The Source: Canada.ca
