Canada reopens for fully vaccinated travelers

Canada reopens its borders for fully vaccinated tourists. If the COVID situation is under control, then Canada starts accepting entry of U.S. citizens and PRs (permanent residents) from August 9, 2021. On the same day, travelers entering Canada will be relieved from the quarantine measures. This will apply to all the countries' passengers.

From September 7, 2021, Canada allows fully vaccinated people from all countries. Fully vaccinated people are not restricted to do the COVID tests for on-arrival and on day eighth day, but they may be asked for random testing at the Canada border.

Travelers to get considered for entry into Canada must have the recommended dosage of a vaccine approved by the Canadian government. The final dose should be taken 14 days before the entry.

It is not particular about which country travelers got their vaccines from.

Canada accepts "fully vaccinated" travelers with any one of the following vaccine manufacturers:

• Astra Zeneca
• Pfizer
• Moderna
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)

Vaccination results must be presented in French or English, or else Canadian border officials need to get a certified translation.

All travelers need to submit their documents through the ArriveCan app or website before traveling to Canada. All these measures will come into effect from August 9 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time. Canadian government officials confirmed the extension of the ban on direct flights to India.

Procedures for unvaccinated children

The Canadian government will soon give an update regarding the rules for children under 12 years who are not eligible for taking the vaccine. From August 9, 2021, unvaccinated dependents of fully vaccinated individuals are not restricted to complete the 14 days quarantine measures. But they need to follow the public health measures for that period.

Even though they are permitted to omit the quarantine measure, they will be subjected to all entry and day eight testing necessities. These measures are for travelers from the U.S. for discretionary purposes. As per the immigration officials from Canada, all these measures will be applicable to unvaccinated children from any of the countries.

There is no certain list of activities for the children to do or don'ts following their arrival to Canada. But they need to avoid the group sittings such as attending school or daycare in the first two weeks of their arrival.

Each province and territory in Canada has set their own rules for individuals who have recently returned from travel. In the coming days, Canadian government officials will give detailed information regarding travel concerns in Canada.

 COVID testing requirements

From August 9, 2021, Canadian citizens and permanent residents traveling from Canada to the U.S. for less than 72 hours need to do their pre-entry arrival COVID test in Canada so that they need not do the second test in the U.S. This is in order to allow them back in the prescribed time.

The individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 but continue to test positive need to submit their results for the test taken between the period of 14 to 180 days (that is 90 days) before their arrival to Canada.

The post-arrival test is not required for fully vaccinated travelers, but there is a chance for random COVID tests upon their arrival. No changes for testing requirements, which means they are mandatory for unvaccinated travelers. Unvaccinated travelers must get a COVID test on arrival and day eight.

 Proof of vaccination

From August 9, 2021, air carriers will verify for the submission of documents through the ArriveCAN before boarding for all the individuals traveling to Canada. Travelers who fail to submit their ArriveCAN receipt are not allowed to fly to Canada. All the airlines will accept the receipt either on a mobile phone or in the form of a printed copy.

Along with the ArriveCAN receipt, travelers need to carry their vaccination certificate to show the proof to the officials at the border. Non-essential travelers are allowed to Canada from August 9, 2021, includes only U.S. citizens and permanent residents. This applies to residents coming from the United States. It does not apply to the temporary U.S. residents or the U.S. residents coming from a third country.

Canadian border restrictions will be exempt for the travelers who are Canadians and other travelers if they submit their valid vaccination status through ArriveCAN. They will not be denied to fly if they don't meet all the requirements.

 Who will be eased for quarantine measures?

Based on the vaccinated status of the travelers, they are eased with quarantine restrictions. This also includes the individuals who cannot be fully vaccinated due to some health conditions but may be asked to follow modified quarantine measures.

The Canadian government gives detailed information in the coming days based on the situation of the COVID situation in other countries.

Travelers through the sea route to Canada are eased for quarantine and COVID testing if they are fully vaccinated. Travelers do need to meet the pre-entry testing requirements through ArriveCAN. They can do it while entering Canada, as there is no internet facility for the individuals traveling by sea route.

All travelers need to get prepared for the quarantine as the border officials sometimes do not allow these exemptions. So, it is better to get prepared for the quarantine if you plan to travel with the exemptions.

More airports will be accepting international flights

Starting from August 9, 2021, five more airports in Canada will be accepting international flights. Airports like:

• Halifax,
• Quebec City,
• Ottawa,
• Winnipeg, and
• Edmonton

will be open to international air travelers.

Airports open for international arrivals in pandemic

Passengers traveling to Canada are expected to co-operate with the public health guidelines. During the pandemic, the only airports which accepted international flights are:

• Vancouver,
• Calgary,
• Toronto, and
• Montreal

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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