Are you planning to travel this Spring? Here is what you need to now about vaccine mandates, use of local tracing app ArriveCAN, COVID Testing and more.
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COVID-19's prevalence continues to decline in 2022, and people are starting to travel again as destinations begin to open up.
However, this doesn't mean the pandemic is over - many argue that preventive measures and travel restrictions should be kept in place to prevent a significant resurgence in the virus - one that would have serious impacts on public health.
To keep their populations safe, some countries are maintaining their Covid-19 mandates.
If you plan to travel this Spring and heading into June, you'll need to know:
- Travel restrictions in Canada and the United States
- The COVID situation, in general terms, in three popular destinations, including Australia, Austria and Germany
We'll review these elements in this post.
What You'll Need to Know if You're Flying Into Canada from the United States
The Public Health Agency of Canada is reporting that borders and airports will be following pandemic measures until at least June 30. These preventive measures cover:
- Vaccine mandates
- Mandatory use of local tracing app ArriveCAN
- Random COVID-19 testing
Vaccine Mandates
To enter Canada, international travelers must be able to show proof that they're fully vaccinated. Note that while pre-entry tests are not required anymore, you'll need proof of your vaccine scheme 14 days before coming to Canada.
If you're unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, you'll only gain entry to Canada if you're a resident or a citizen. If this is true for you, you'll have to take a COVID-19 test and quarantine for 14 days before being allowed into the country.
You'll also need to submit one of these:
- A negative rapid antigen test, taken within 24 hours prior to your flight and proctored by a healthcare professional
- A negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours before you depart
- A positive PCR test taken between 10 and 180 days before your flight
Children under the age of 11 who are traveling with a fully vaccinated adult won't need to take any tests before entering Canada.
Using the ArriveCAN Tracing App
Within 72 hours before their entry to Canada, visitors must download the ArriveCAN app and submit their health information. Failure to do so may result in having to do these, regardless of your vaccination status:
- Get a COVID-19 test upon arrival
- Quarantine for 14 days
- Pay a $5,000 fine
Foreign nationals could be denied entry if they are not able to meet these requirements.
Random COVID Testing Possible
While international travelers won't need to take any tests before entering Canada, you may still be subject to random testing when you arrive. Even if this is the case, you won't need to wait to receive your results to embark on your trip.
Wearing a Mask When Taking Federal Transportation
Fully vaccinated adults and children are not expected to wear a mask in public areas during the first 14 days after they arrive in Canada. However, regardless of their vaccination status all travelers must wear a mask when on federally regulated modes of transportation such as trains or planes.
Key Takeaways
While traveling is becoming easier by the month, there's the potential for COVID-19 to interrupt your travel plans at any time. By taking preventive measures, testing regularly and following rules and best practices with regards to travel restrictions, wearing masks on public transportation and others, you may help to prevent delays when it comes to vacationing in 2022.
Since the start of the pandemic, getting tested regularly and carrying a current COVID Certificate of proof of vaccination has been one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others (keep in mind that each country has its own policies regarding its approved vaccines and tests).
At COVID Travel Test, we can book and administer your Rapid Antigen Test or your RT-PCR Test before your departure.