TORONTO – As of November 30, the transition period allowing negative COVID-19 tests from people wishing to travel by plane, train or ship in Canada will end, meaning all visitors Travelers must be fully vaccinated before boarding and provide proof of that.
The travel rules, announced by the federal government in early October, officially go into effect on October 30. However, there is a month-long transition period that allows those who do not qualify. Fully vaccinated individuals can travel if they can show a negative COVID-19 molecular test done within 72 hours of travel.
Beginning Tuesday at 3:01 a.m. EST, a negative COVID-19 test will no longer be accepted as a substitute for vaccination.
This means that if you cannot prove that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will not be allowed on board. Tourism Canada said there would be “very limited exemptions” to the rule, such as a medical inability to get vaccinated.
Other rules made earlier during the COVID-19 pandemic for travelers, including mandatory face masks, health screening questions and the requirement to test negative for international travelers, remain. is applied.
While airlines randomly select travelers departing from Canadian airports – following Transport Canada guidelines – to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination during the transition period, Both Air Canada and WestJet told CTVNews.ca they will have a system available from November 30 for customers to submit proof of vaccinations online before arriving at the airport.
RULES AFTER THE TRANSITION STAGE
According to the Government of Canada, anyone 12 years of age or older who is 4 months or older will need to provide proof that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To board, all travelers must have a second dose at least 14 days before departure.
The rules apply to anyone traveling on domestic, cross-border or international flights departing from Canadian airports and rail passengers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains.
“If you cannot provide proof of vaccinations or a valid COVID-19 test result, you will not be allowed to travel. If you let the airline or railway know that you are eligible to board the plane, you will not be allowed to travel. , but fail to provide proof, you may also face penalties or fines,” Transport Canada said in an online notice.
If a child has just turned 12, there will be a four-month exemption period after their 12th birthday, during which they will not be required to be vaccinated. Travel Canada notes that this gives children time to get both shots of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Transport Canada told CTVNews.ca that children under 12 years of age and four months are not required to have vaccinations or provide valid COVID-19 test results to travel within Canada or to leave Canada. However, international destinations may have different requirements.
“Any adjustments to travel measures will continue to be considered, based on scientific evidence, public health advice and the evolving epidemiological situation, as is the case with the pandemic that has occurred. out,” Transport Canada said in an email on Nov.
VACCINATION CERTIFICATE
While most provinces and territories issue and use Canada’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination, Alberta and New Brunswick now have a provincial vaccine certificate form, which is acceptable for travel.
The federal government says Canadians should be ready at any point in their journey to present proof of their vaccinations.
If you’re planning to show proof of vaccinations on your phone, the government recommends that travelers bring a paper copy, in case there’s a “difficult” situation, such as a device that runs out of battery.
The government notes that Canada’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination does not guarantee entry into another country and says travelers should check for any restrictions at their final destination before travelling. travel abroad or not.
For Canadian undocumented persons, their proof of vaccination must include the following information:
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full name of the person who gave the vaccine;
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the name of the government or organization that gave the evidence or administered the vaccine;
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the brand name or manufacturer of the approved vaccine or vaccine mixture
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the day you received your second or first dose of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson
If your proof of vaccination is not in English or French, you will need a certified translation into either of these languages.
WHAT VACCINES IS ACCEPTED?
People 12 years of age and older will be required to provide proof that they have received both doses of Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine series or an approved mix of two vaccines.
However, the rules state that you must receive your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before your departure date.
Currently, travelers will be allowed to board if they have had Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax) or AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccines.
Canadians are also allowed to travel if they have had at least one dose of Janssen/Johnson and Johnson vaccines, as long as they received it 14 days before the date of travel.
Earlier this month, the federal government announced that travelers who have received Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covaxin COVID-19 vaccines will be considered fully vaccinated for travel purposes by November 30, in line with with a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use by the World Health Organization.
REQUIRED TEST ENTER
As of November 30, fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents returning home from short trips to the United States and abroad will no longer have to provide proof of a negative molecular test. , such as a PCR test.
The federal government announced on November 19 that it will lift the requirement for molecular testing for travelers who have received a full set of COVID-19 vaccines upon returning to Canada in less than 72 hours.
However, molecular testing is still required for those with overseas trips lasting more than 72 hours.
CRAZY TRAIN
Proof of vaccination rules also applies to travelers who wish to board a cruise ship in Canada, once those voyages resume.
Transport Canada says anyone boarding a cruise ship or other passenger ship whose voyage will last more than 24 hours will need to present proof of vaccination.
While the federal government has lifted global advice asking Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside the country, the government continues to advise against traveling by cruise ship.
FLIGHT COMMUNITY EXCLUSION
People living in flying communities will be exempt from the vaccine travel requirement for certain domestic trips.
Under the new government regulation, passengers from small communities or remote areas who have not been immunized will still be able to receive services essential to their health, health or social well-being and return home. safe house.
With files from CTVNews.ca’s Hannah Jackson
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