Things to know before you travel to Canada during

Canada is the ultimate destination for both adventure as well as relaxing. It has snowboarding, skiing, hiking, bear watching in Ontario and multiple options for food, culture and entertainment.  

But since the Pandemic, times have changed. This country is always warm and welcoming, but provincial mandates and changing public health policies are reshaping the traveling experience for visitors. 

But if you are planning a trip during pandemic, here is everything you need to know. 

Wearing masks, especially in public places, is compulsory during the phases of pandemic. 

Travelers must be fully vaccinated with proper and approved vaccinations. These are acceptable- Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson. Make sure you carry your vaccination certificate everywhere. 

Regardless of vaccination status, all visitors must submit a negative COVID report within 72 hours (within 3 days) of departure. The ArriveCan app or website is crucial for proving the necessary information, including the proof of vaccination, test results, and contact details within the three days of travel.  

As of 2024, all these regulations have been lifted. If you're heading to Canada during the pandemic, make sure you've got all your shots and download the ArriveCan app to send in your travel details before you get there. Good news: if you're vaccinated, you don't need to take a COVID-19 test before entering anymore. But keep in mind, you might get picked for a random test when you arrive. It's a good idea to have a backup plan for quarantine just in case even if you won't need it. Don't forget to bring proof that you've been vaccinated with you. 

Even though the government no longer requires masks everywhere, it's smart to always carry one with you. Some locations, transport companies might still ask you to wear them. Keep in mind that each province and territory could have its own COVID-19 rules so look up what applies to where you're going before you travel. After you step into Canada, watch out for any COVID-19 signs for 14 days (about 2 weeks). Be ready for extra tests at the border. 

Don't forget that travel rules can change fast so keep an eye on updates from official Canadian government websites. If you follow these tips, you'll have a better chance of a trouble-free and safe trip to Canada while COVID-19 is still around.