Key Points
- Fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals registered under the Indian Act will be exempt from the pre-entry molecular tests under limited circumstances beginning November 30, 2021
- Three additional vaccines were approved by the Canadian government
- Additional travelers will be required to be fully vaccinated to enter Canada beginning January 15, 2022
Overview
The government of Canada will adjust its border measures on November 30, 2021. Under these changes, fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals registered under the Indian Act who depart and re-enter Canada within 72 hours will not be required to present a pre-entry molecular test. This will apply to individuals traveling by land and air and accompanying children under 12 years old and individuals with medical contraindications to vaccination.
The Canadian government will also expand the approved COVID-19 vaccines for travel to include Sinophram, Sinovac, and COVAXIN.
Beginning January 15, 2022, certain groups of travelers who are currently exempt from entry requirements will be required to be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved for entry into Canada. These travelers include:
- Individuals reuniting with family
- International students who are 18 years or older
- Professional and amateur athletes
- Individuals with valid work permits, including temporary foreign workers, other than those in agriculture and food processing
- Essential service providers, such as truck drivers
For additional information regarding exempt vaccination groups, click here. For further information on entry requirements for Canada, click here.
What are the Changes?
Beginning November 30, 2021, the Canadian government will exempt specific fully vaccinated individuals from the pre-entry molecular test if they have departed from Canada and returned within 72 hours. The Canadian government has approved three additional vaccines from the World Health Organizations Emergency List. More travelers will be required to be fully vaccinated to enter Canada beginning January 15, 2022.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Canada’s website and for additional updates and information.
Source: Government of Canada
