Editor’s Note — Coronavirus cases remain high across the globe. Health officials caution that travel increases your chances of getting and spreading the virus. Staying home is the best way to stem transmission. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on January 11, 2022.
The basics
Canada recorded 294,437 new cases for the week ending January 8, according to Johns Hopkins University figures, its highest weekly total of the pandemic.
On December 15, Canadian government officials indicated that fresh restrictions may be announced in the coming days, but for now the country still allowing foreigners to enter for business and leisure, provided they are vaccinated and provide a negative Covid-19 test upon entry.
What’s on offer
This is the ultimate destination for adventure. Whether it’s skiing and snowboarding in the Rockies or bear watching in the wilds of Ontario, Canada has everything to satisfy travelers who want to spend time in the great outdoors.
Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City are all perfect for city breaks, with first rate culture, food and entertainment on offer.
Who can go
Citizens and permanent residents are allowed to enter Canada, but if unvaccinated they must self-quarantine for 14 days.
As for travelers arriving by land, all visitors — with some exceptions — are also required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours of pre-arrival, or a positive test taken 14 to 90 days before arrival.
What are the restrictions?
The quarantine plan must detail where you will stay, how you will get there and how you will arrange for delivery of essentials such as groceries and medicine. Failure to stick to the plan can lead to six months’ jail time and a CAD$750,000 (US$593,000) fine.
Additionally, all arrivals are given a health screening by a border officer to assess any symptoms.
What’s the Covid-19 situation?
Canada is currently battling a dramatic surge in Covid-19 cases led by the Omicron variant.
The country is reporting an average of 37,000 new cases per day — a sharp rise from the 3,000 per day average recorded in early December.
Canada is now in the midst of a nationwide Covid-19 vaccine program. About 80% of the population is fully vaccinated as of January 3, 2022.
What can visitors expect?
Mask mandates vary between provinces.
Provinces have been relaxing the rules on social gatherings, indoor dining and travel in recent months in response to rising vaccination rates. However, many governments have been reintroducing restrictions due to the rise in cases as Omicron sweeps through the country.
Most Canadian provinces continue to advise people to keep a distance of two meters (6.5 feet) to cut the spread of the virus.
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Joe Minihane, Julia Buckley, Paula Newton and Karla Cripps contributed to this report.
