On September 3, 2021, the Government of Canada confirmed that it will proceed with its plan to ease border measures for fully vaccinated foreign travellers entering Canada. Based on the latest available data, scientific evidence and the epidemiological situation both in Canada and internationally, the Government intends to bring a number of changes into effect.
Beginning September 7, 2021 at 12:01 AM EDT, all fully vaccinated foreign nationals will be permitted to enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) travel. As discussed in our previous bulletin, on August 9, 2021, the Government opened Canada’s borders to fully vaccinated US citizens and permanent residents.
Please see below for a summary of these developments:
1. What will change on September 7, 2021?
Entry to Canada:
Fully vaccinated travellers, from any country, will be allowed to travel to Canada for discretionary (non-essential) purposes and will not be subject to a 14-day quarantine requirement.
As discussed in a previous bulletin, in order to be considered fully vaccinated, travellers must have received two doses or a combination of the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines or a single dose of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine, at least 14 days prior to their entry to Canada.
Unvaccinated Children:
Unvaccinated children under 12 years of age, or unvaccinated dependent children (due to a mental or physical condition), from any country, will also be allowed entry into Canada. In order to be allowed entry, such children must be accompanying a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor who is permitted to enter Canada, and must follow enhanced public health measures, which includes not attending daycare or school for 14 days.
Unvaccinated children between the ages of 12 to 17 and dependent children 18 or older (due to a mental or physical condition), from any country, will be permitted to enter Canada with their fully vaccinated parent(s) and/or guardian(s), but will be subject to the 14-day quarantine.
All unvaccinated children (except those under 5 years of age) will remain subject to day 1 and day 8 testing requirements.
2. Flights from India and Morocco
While today’s announcement generally applies to foreign nationals from all over the world, it is important to note that Canada has suspended direct commercial and private passenger flights from India until at least September 21, and from Morocco until at least September 29. While these flight suspensions are in place, passengers who travel to Canada from India and Morocco via an indirect route will need to obtain a valid pre-departure COVID-19 molecular test result from a third country – other than India or Morocco – before continuing their journey to Canada.
3. What requirements are still in place?
For travellers who are not fully vaccinated, there are no changes to Canada’s current mandatory testing requirements and such travellers will still be required to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement, subject to limited exceptions.
Foreign nationals who are fully vaccinated will continue to be required to have a negative pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test result taken no more than 72 hours before the scheduled departure time of their last direct flight to Canada, or no more than 72 hours before their entry into Canada if arriving by land or water. Travellers who have already had COVID-19 and recovered can provide proof of a positive COVID-19 molecular test taken at least 14 and no more than 180 days before the initial scheduled departure time of their aircraft, or their entry into Canada by water or land. If arriving by air, they must provide proof of their test result to the airline prior to boarding their flight to Canada.
As has been the case since August 9, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers do not need to take a test on arrival unless they are randomly selected to complete a day-one COVID-19 molecular test. All travellers who are randomly selected for the border testing surveillance program must complete the mandatory arrival test; however, they do not have to quarantine while awaiting the result.
Fully vaccinated travellers must also be asymptomatic, have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation in English or French (or certified translation, along with the original), and provide COVID-19-related information electronically through the ArriveCAN app prior to arrival in Canada. Individuals travelling on or after September 7, 2021 should submit their information after this time. Travellers should ensure they are using the updated version of ArriveCAN (available as of September 7, 2021, at 12:01 am EDT) and that they include unvaccinated children under 18 years and dependent adults in their ArriveCAN submission.
They must still present a suitable quarantine plan, and be prepared to quarantine, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet all of the conditions required to be exempt from quarantine. As with all other exempt travellers, they will be required to follow public health measures in place, such as wearing a mask when in public, keep a copy of their vaccine and test results, as well as a list of close contacts for 14 days after entry to Canada.
4. Closing Remarks
This announcement represents another important step in the implementation of Canada’s border re-opening plan. In its news release, the Government of Canada has indicated that while cases are currently increasing in Canada, the illness severity and hospitalization rates remain manageable as Canada’s vaccination rates continue to rise. As we have throughout the pandemic, the Gomberg Dalfen team will continue to keep you updated as this situation evolves and as the next phases of the border reopening are announced.
Message from the team:
We are humbled to have been elected by our peers to the Top 10 Canadian boutique immigration law firms – and as the only firm in Quebec! Read the interview with our founding partner Seth Dalfen in Canadian Lawyer Magazine here.
Everyone at Gomberg Dalfen remains available to address any question, concern or mandate you may have. You will be able to reach us at our usual email addresses and telephone numbers. Gomberg Dalfen encourages all temporary workers and students whose status expires in the next 6 months to submit an application for renewal online, and to remain in Canada for the foreseeable future and to avoid all travel abroad, as they may face complications to re-enter Canada. Contact one of our lawyers if you require assistance or have questions. Temporary workers and students who are interested in their eligibility for Canadian permanent residence are invited to contact us.
Please note: Information contained in this bulletin should not be taken as legal advice. The content of this bulletin is intended to be general and should not be relied upon for any individual case or situation.