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Canada Announces Changes to Prevailing Travel Rules

Published Date: 20th November 2021

A few months back in September, Canada lifted the travel ban on foreign nationals. Although people were now allowed to travel, there still were certain restrictions on their entry in the country. Following this news they also eased travel restrictions.

Now the Minister of Health, Minister of Public Safety, Minister of Transport and Minister of IRCC has made a new announcement on changes to the travel rules. These changes would be undertaken under the border measure for travelers. The broad points covered in the announcement, mostly starting November 30, are:

  • Fully vaccinated Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents and Registered Indians who plan to leave Canada and return within 72 hours will not require a pre-entry covid-19 molecular test. This rule will apply to accompanying children under the age of 12 and people with medical contraindications to vaccination as well.
  • Canada plans to add more vaccines to their list of approved vaccines in reference with World Health Organization, which are, Sinopharm, Sinovac, and COVAXIN.
  • Starting 15th January 2022, some group of travelers who are fully vaccinated with accepted vaccines will be allowed to enter Canada:
    • Visitor Visa Holders (travelling to reunite with their families)
    • International students who are 18 years and older
    • Professional and Amateur Athletes
    • Work Permit Holders, including temporary foreign workers
    • Essential service providers, including truck drivers
  • Starting 15th January 2022, partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travelers will also be able to enter Canada if they are exempted to travel. Certain groups having limited exemption include:
    • Agricultural and Food Processing workers
    • Marine Crew Members
    • People entering Canada on Compassionate grounds
    • New Permanent Residents
    • Resettling Refugees and Some Children under the age of 18 years.
These above mentioned exempt unvaccinated travelers will have to undergo testing, quarantine, and other entry requirements. Non-exempt unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will be prohibited entry into Canada.

To know more details, visit this website.