Travel Restrictions to Canada: Government Ends Border Rules — Here's How It Changes Your Next Trip
- As of a major policy shift today, the Canadian government has officially ended all COVID-19 border measures, including proof of vaccination, arrival testing, and quarantine requirements for travelers entering by land or air. This applies to all nationalities, marking the first time since March 2020 that unrestricted access is allowed for tourism.
- Travelers no longer need to submit their health info via the ArriveCAN app—but they must still use it to declare goods and for customs purposes. The removal of mandatory quarantine means a sudden spike in booking inquiries for iconic destinations like Banff, Toronto, and Vancouver, with airlines reporting a 300% jump in searches within hours.
- Unvaccinated travelers are now welcome again, but they must still pass a random molecular test at the border (though isolation is not required). Canada Border Services Agency is warning that processing times at land crossings may increase due to the flood of new applications, so plan for delays at popular entry points like the Peace Arch in British Columbia.
- The rule change does NOT apply to cruise ship passengers yet—they still must follow a separate set of health protocols until November 2023. This exception is crucial for those planning a trip via Alaska or the Great Lakes, as cruise lines like Princess Cruises will still require proof of vaccination.
- A hidden loophole: The travel restrictions to Canada originally stemmed from a quirk in the Quarantine Act, but this new freedom only lasts as long as the current public health order. It's set to expire January 2024, so book your trip now before any reverse trends—experts predict a summer boom that could make flights and hotels scarce.