Canada to remove COVID-19 border and travel measures as of Oct. 1
by CM Staff
COVID-19 remains one of many communicable diseases listed in the Quarantine Act.
OTTAWA — The federal government has announced the removal of all COVID-19 entry restrictions, including testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada, effective Oct. 1, 2022.
A statement from Health Canada says the federal government’s decision is based on numerous factors; specifically, the country’s high vaccination rates, lowered hospitalizations and death rates as well as the availability and use of vaccine boosters and rapid tests.
Additionally, the government of Canada projects that the population has largely passed the peak of the Omicron Ba.4 and BA.5 fuelled wave.
Effective Oct. 1, 2022, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to demonstrate the following:
- submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
- provide proof of vaccination;
- undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
- carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
- monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.
In the same manner, Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements. As of Oct. 1, 2022, travellers will no longer be required to:
- undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or
wear masks on planes and trains. - Although the masking requirement is being lifted, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear high quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.
Cruise measures are also being lifted, and travellers will no longer be required to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated, or use ArriveCAN. A set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.
Despite regulatory changes, the government of Canada reminds Canadians to exercise discretion and refrain from travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. Should they arrive to the country while feeling ill, they are advised to inform a flight attendant, cruise staff, or a border services officer upon arrival. They may then be referred to a quarantine officer who will decide whether further medical assessment is necessary as COVID-19 remains one of many communicable diseases listed in the Quarantine Act.
