October 29, 2021 — Consular|

An important message for those planning to travel to Canada

29 October 2021

If you are planning to travel to Canada, please be aware of the current requirements and additional measures you will need to consider.

The Government of Canada is prioritizing the health and safety of everyone in Canada by taking a risk-based and measured approach to re-opening our borders. To limit the further spread of COVID-19 in Canada, travel restrictions are in place across all border crossings.

Are you eligible to enter Canada?

The COVID-19 pandemic restricts some travel to Canada and within Canada. Information on who is currently able to enter Canada, can be found at: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/wizard-start

Do you need to renew your Canadian passport?

Canadian citizens, including dual Canadian citizens, can no longer travel to or transit through Canada by air with a non-Canadian passport. You need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight. If your country needs you to enter and exit that country using a passport issued by its government, you will still need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight to Canada.

*Make sure to carry both passports when you travel.

Find out more about why you must travel with a valid Canadian passport when travelling by air: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/dual-canadian-citizens-visit-canada.html#background

Information on how to renew your existing passport or, apply for a new passport can be found at: https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/australia-australie/consular_services_consulaires/index.aspx?lang=eng

Do you have the minimum validity required to travel/transit?

If you are entering or transiting another country on your trip back to Canada, you should be aware some countries have minimum passport validity requirements to enter or transit their country. In order to avoid potential issues boarding your flight or entering/transiting another country, please check the travel advisories to view the entry and exit requirements of each country: http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

Since these requirements can change, you may also check with the Government of Canada office of the country(s) you will visit: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/contact/offices-list_liste-bureaux-eng.asp

Have you checked travel routes?

Whilst there are currently no direct flights from Australia to Canada, there are a number of airlines flying from Australia to Canada via various countries around the world. Air Canada has announced the resumption of direct flights from Sydney, Australia to Vancouver, Canada effective December 17, 2021. Information on requirements to travel with Air Canada can be found at the Air Canada Travel Ready Hub: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates/2020/covid-19.html#/region-ct-3

You should be aware, any airline you choose to fly with may suspend flights from Australia in the future with little notice. You should watch the relevant airline website for planned route suspensions.

Do you require an exemption to depart Australia?

From November 1, Australian citizens and permanent residents who are fully vaccinated will not require an exemption to leave the country. Australian citizens and permanent residents who are under the age of 12 will also be permitted to travel. Unvaccinated citizens and permanent residents will require an exemption – you can apply online for an exemption on the Department of Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/departmental-forms/online-forms/covid19-enquiry-form

Do you plan to return to Australia?

Before departing, consider your ability to return with the current border restrictions, and quarantine requirements in Australia. The latest information for travellers coming into/transiting Australia can be found at: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/

Preparing for travel

Travellers entering Canada, regardless of citizenship, must follow testing and quarantine requirements to keep everyone safe.

Travelling to Canada checklist

If you are eligible to enter Canada, use the checklist to help you to prepare. Each step has specific requirements and exemptions that will follow through to later stages of your travel. The step by step checklist to enter Canada, can be found at: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/entering-canada-checklist

Under certain circumstances, you may be exempt from some requirements.

Book your pre-entry COVID-19 test

The pre-entry COVID-19 test must be performed using one of two types of COVID-19 tests, either a:

Molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or
Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)

The test must be conducted within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time of your last direct flight to Canada.

Please find a link to Health Direct Australia where you can find your nearest COVID-19 testing facility: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/. Alternatively, you can contact Healius, a private company who is able to offer testing services throughout Australia. https://consumer.healius.com.au/

The Government of Canada does not endorse any particular centre on the list.

Vaccination status

Check if you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller to enter Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada

*Travellers must receive their last dose at least 14 days prior to the day they enter Canada.

Accepted COVID-19 vaccines in Canada

Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2)
Moderna (Spikevax, mRNA-1273)
AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria, AZD1222)
Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S)

Review the entry requirements if you are not fully vaccinated: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/exemptions#unvaccinated

What if I am travelling with children or adult dependents who are unvaccinated?

Depending on the age range for children and the status of the parent or guardian, a 14-day quarantine, and all testing requirements for pre-entry, arrival and Day-8 tests may be required.

Learn more here: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada

Do I need to quarantine when I arrive in Canada?

Fully vaccinated travellers who meet the requirements will be exempt from quarantine, arrival testing and Day-8 testing unless selected for mandatory randomized arrival testing. All travellers must still provide a quarantine plan and be prepared to quarantine, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet the necessary requirements.

How do I submit my quarantine plan?

Unvaccinated travellers will be required to undertake arrival and Day-8 testing with a quarantine requirement of 14 days.

You must demonstrate that you have an adequate plan for quarantine. You’re expected to make plans, within your own means, before travelling to Canada.

Canadians and all travellers must use ArriveCAN to submit their:

travel and contact information
quarantine plan
COVID-19 symptom self-assessments

Download the ArriveCAN app now, ready to use at your Canadian port of entry.

You must use ArriveCAN, which is free to use, to enter your proof of vaccination, quarantine and travel information up to 72 hours before your travel.

Transiting considerations

Returning to Canada from Australia or the Pacific region will require travel through transit countries. Prior to confirming travel arrangements, review all visa requirements and travel restrictions and COVID-19 requirements for transit countries.

Stay up to date with the latest transit restrictions and requirements, monitoring the status of your flights, both domestic and international. If you experience any changes to your flights, please contact your airline directly.

Prepare for instances of delay and associated provisions, e.g. COVID-19 testing in transit countries. Furthermore, you may wish to ensure you have insurance to cover interruption and unanticipated expenses.

Your final destination

Although your reason for entering Canada may fall under an exemption, you may still have to follow certain provincial and territorial restrictions (which may include quarantine), depending on your destination. Learn more here: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/provinces

International travellers flying through Canada may not need to follow this checklist. See more here: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/border#transit-air

What should I expect at the border?

When arriving in Canada, ensure you have documentation easily accessible, on paper or a screenshot, for assessment by a government official at the border:

ArriveCAN receipt with letter I or V beside the vaccinated traveller’s name
proof of vaccination
pre-entry test results
other travel documents

Vaccine requirements for travellers in Canada

Effective October 30, air passengers departing from Canadian airports, travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, and travellers on non-essential passenger vessels on voyages of 24 hours or more, such as cruise ships, will need to show proof of vaccination to board. Specifically, the vaccination requirement will apply to all travellers 12 years of age and older who are:

Air passengers flying on domestic, transborder or international flights departing from airports in Canada
Rail passengers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains
Marine passengers on non-essential passenger vessels, such as cruise ships, on voyages of 24 hours or more

For travellers who are in the process of being vaccinated, there will be a short transition period. Learn more here: https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2021/10/mandatory-covid-19-vaccination-requirements-for-federally-regulated-transportation-employees-and-travellers.html

Helpful resources

Proof of Vaccination

How can I obtain proof of my COVID-19 vaccination if vaccinated in Australia?

Information about obtaining proof of your COVID-19 vaccination which occurred in Australia can be found at: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/getting-help-during-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations/how-get-proof

How can I obtain proof of vaccination if vaccinated in Canada?

Information about obtaining proof of your COVID-19 vaccination which occurred in Canada can be found at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/vaccines/life-after-vaccination/vaccine-proof.html

The most up to date information about COVID-19 can be found on the Government of Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html?utm_campaign=not-applicable&utm_medium=vanity-url&utm_source=canada-ca_coronavirus

For the Government of Australia’s latest updates regarding COVID-19, please see: https://www.australia.gov.au/. Canadians should also monitor local media and follow the instructions from local authorities.

For information about State/Territory border closures and the impact they may have on travellers, you should consult the Government of Australia website which contains the most up to date information: https://www.australia.gov.au/

We encourage you to stay connected with the latest travel advice and advisories, via the web at: http://travel.gc.ca our mobile TravelSmart application, available at: http://travel.gc.ca/mobile

Do you need consular assistance?

If you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Government of Canada office. We kindly request you contact us by phone or email in the first instance to protect the health and safety of staff and visitors. https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates

Within Australia, please contact:

The Consulate General of Canada in Sydney

sydny-cs@international.gc.ca (if you are located in NSW, QLD, and NT)
+61 (0)2 9364 3000

The High Commission of Canada in Canberra

cnbracs@international.gc.ca (if you are located in ACT, WA, VIC, SA, TAS)
+61 (0)2 6270 4000

Outside of business hours, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre at Global Affairs Canada headquarters (24 hours a day, seven days a week) by calling +1 613 996 8885, or email: sos@international.gc.ca