Travelling to Canada as a tourist in 2021 holds many restrictions. These are ironic restrictions that are being made mandatory due to the COVID-19 measures. Requires checks that are a necessary part of the immigration procedures. However, hold even more strict measures since the pandemic has evolved in the rest of the world. Including, the Canadian provinces and territories. Canada has maintained strict security compliance and health & Safety measures in form of travel bans. Hence, as well as a short-term ban that was imposed on the USA-Canada borders. Furthermore, there has been bans imposed on nationwide travelling, i.e. travelling from one Canadian province to another. In other words, they have strictly stayed with the maintenance of quality assurance & health & safety protocols. This is practically applicable for both national and international travels. The only and most common reason being tourism values getting disturbed due to the pandemic COVID-19.
In the neighbouring United States the effects of the pandemic has been more significant. Furthermore, statistically speaking United States is found to be the most affected country in terms of the number of deaths. The travel bans and strict protocols also apply on the neighbouring United States. Its a country that has been on a larger suffering end, than any other country.
A set of FAQ’s, i.e. frequently Asked Questions with precise answers shall be good enough. Especially, to define how the strict protocols Canada is observing. These are dependent on variable conditions regards to travel during the COVID-19 strict protocols in the year 2021.
HOW CANADA DEFINES THE ‘FULLY’ VACCINATED TRAVELLERS?
In this current scenario of the pandemic COVID-19, Canada shall only consider you as “Fully” vaccinated if you have received the full recommended dose of a vaccine. The important thing regards to this is that the dose of the vaccine should be from a manufacturer approved from Health Canada. These are four vaccines from different companies. These companies are known as Pfizer (USA), Astra Zaneca (U.K.), Moderna (USA) and Janssen (from Johnson & Johnson- USA).
WILL TRAVEL TO CANADA REQUIRE COVID-19 VACCINE?
Travelling to Canada is a frequent entity for many people from different countries. This is not only for the continent North America. This thing highly depends on the purpose of your travel and whether you are exempt from travel restrictions. Ironically, it holds some reasons. If the reason for your visit is for essential reasons. However, you are not fully vaccinated in the eyes of Govt. of Canada. Hence, in that case, you shall have to undergo quarantine and testing measures.
However, if you are coming for a non-essential reason, i.e. for tourism or for the purpose of shopping. You will need to be fully vaccinated. Reasons for the visit holds huge attention. Particularly, as it has to be a valid reason until the pandemic rules applies in Canada.
WHAT TO DO IF THE TRAVELLER IS NOT VACCINATED?
In the case of a traveller not being vaccinated than only the exempt travellers such as the Canadian citizens, the permanent residents, the family members and most int. students comes under the category of exempt travellers. Apart from all these there are other essential travellers that are allowed to cross borders. This is in case if they are not vaccinated. After 9th of August there is not any mandatory law to stay in a govt.-approved hotel at their own expenses. Hence, only if the concerned traveller is waiting for their results of their on-arrival test.
WHAT IF THERE IS A HEALTH CONDITION THAT DOESN’T ALLOWS THE TRAVELLER TO GET VACCINATED?
A health condition that doesn’t allow the travellers to get vaccinated is an interesting scenario. The opinion that the organisation Health Canada holds in this regards is that. According to the vaccine’s label it is unsafe for a person to be vaccinated. Hence, in that case the person automatically qualifies for an eased quarantine. The traveller may also follow a modified quarantine in case if the health condition doesn’t allows travel.
AFTER A PERSON’S RECOVERY FROM COVID-19, IF HE/SHE IS TESTED POSITIVE AGAIN WHAT NEEDS DOING?
This is quiet an interesting case scenario. However it happens, as it is not that rare case. Hence, travellers who still continue to test positive even though they are no longer infectious, such travellers should be providing the authorities the proof of a positive COVID-19 molecular test. This test is conducted between 14 and 90 days prior to the scheduled departure date. Hence, starting August 9th, the authorities shall be accepting positive tests that are as old as 180 days.
IF A PERSON IS TRAVELLING WITH KIDS WHO CAN’T BE VACCINATED. DO THEY NEED QUARANTINE?
As for before the 9th August, i.e. initial stages according to the laws the un-vaccinated kids will also have to quarantine. Furthermore, complete the testing requirements that have been set by the Canadian authorities. This is even though the fully vaccinated parents or the guardians do not need to be tested.
However, since August 9th, the kids accompanied with fully vaccinated adults don’t need to take quarantine. However, such kids do need to avoid group settings.