Government of Canada COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information Line:
1-833-784-4397
Global Affairs Canada's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre:
Call the nearest embassy or consulate
1-613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted where available)
sos@international.gc.ca
Register as a Canadian Abroad:
Travellers should register with the Government of Canada if they are still abroad. Visit travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration to register and receive important information and updates, as well as notifying the Government of Canada of your current location.
Travellers Entering Canada
To limit the spread of COVID-19, travellers entering Canada must follow the rules set out by the emergency orders under the Quarantine Act.
No one should travel when sick. Commercial airline restrictions may also prevent you from boarding your plane if you're sick. However, Canadians, persons with status under the Indian Act and permanent residents who have COVID-19 symptoms are allowed to return to Canada.
When entering Canada, you'll be:
- asked if you have a cough, fever or difficulty breathing
- required to acknowledge that you must:
undefinedundefined - asked if you have a suitable place to isolate or quarantine, where:
undefined - given instructions about the actions you must take under the emergency order and the penalties for non-compliance
Travellers entering Canada must:
- provide traveller contact information through: the ArriveCAN mobile app or an accessible web-based form or a paper form
- undergo screening by a border official
- answer any relevant questions: when you arrive in Canada, during your 14-day period while in quarantine or isolation
Government of Canada representatives at Canadian ports of entry will:
- administer the emergency orders on behalf of the Public Health Agency of Canada
- assess your potential risks to public health under the Quarantine Act
- determine if you: have suitable plans for quarantine or isolation, need to be transferred to a designated quarantine facility, have no symptoms of COVID-19 and can continue domestic travel to your place of quarantine
The information border officials collect helps the Public Health Agency of Canada with its compliance and enforcement efforts. Providing false or misleading information is an offence under the Quarantine Act and can result in fines and potentially even prison time.
Border Restrictions
If you're a foreign national (not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada), you won't be able to enter Canada if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
There are currently border restrictions for discretionary (optional) travel to Canada:
Discretionary travel includes, but is not limited to, tourism, recreation and entertainment.
If a traveller's entry is permitted, they'll be subject to mandatory quarantine for 14 days.
Exemptions to border restrictions
There are no exemptions to border restrictions for compassionate reasons, such as visiting a critically ill loved one or attending a funeral.
You'll only be considered for an exemption to border restrictions at Canada's ports of entry if:
- you don't have symptoms of COVID-19
- your reason for travel is: included in the conditions outlined in the emergency orders or on the Chief Public Health Officer's list of essential services
You don't require an interpretive letter from the Public Health Agency of Canada in order to be exempted from an emergency order.
If you've requested an interpretative letter for a future travel exemption, this letter would be taken into account. However, it wouldn't be considered a final decision for entry or for quarantine requirements.
A government representative at the border will determine if your reason for travelling to Canada can be considered for exemption under the emergency orders.
Foreign nationals arriving from the U.S. may be able to enter Canada for non-discretionary (non-optional) travel purposes.
Foreign nationals arriving from countries other than the U.S. may also be allowed to enter Canada. However, their travel must be non-discretionary (non-optional) and fall under exemptions set out in the emergency order. For example:
- an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is travelling to be with an immediate family member and is planning to stay for a period of at least 15 days
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Being exempt from border restrictions does not mean you're exempt from other requirements, including:
- mandatory quarantine
- any additional public health requirements of the province or territory where you'll be quarantining and staying while in Canada
In some cases, your reason for travelling may be considered essential by a province, territory or under Canada's National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure. However, you'll only be given an exemption by the Government of Canada if your reason for travel is considered essential under the Quarantine Act's emergency orders.
Foreign nationals who meet an exemption to the border restrictions must still present the appropriate travel documents at the border. This includes citizenship documents or work permits. Government representatives will make the final decision on your entry to Canada at the port of entry.
For more information on the restrictions to enter Canada and the exemptions, consult the Canada Border Services Agency.
Mandatory Quarantine or Mandatory Isolation
Before considering travelling, all travellers arriving in Canada must plan for their mandatory 14-day quarantine period, which starts on the date they arrive. Government of Canada representatives will conduct health screenings at the time of entry to Canada and let you know if you need to quarantine or isolate.
If you don't have COVID-19 symptoms, you must quarantine for 14 days while you're still at risk of developing symptoms and infecting others.
- Quarantine instructions for travellers without symptoms of COVID-19 returning to Canada
- Quarantine instructions for Canadians crossing the border daily to attend school in the U.S.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you must isolate for 14 days.
All travellers entering Canada, whether in mandatory quarantine or isolation, must:
- arrange for a suitable place to quarantine or isolate, where you:
undefinedundefinedundefined - go directly to your place of quarantine or isolation, without stopping anywhere
- wear a non-medical mask or face covering while travelling to the place where you'll quarantine or isolate
- stay at your place of quarantine or isolation for 14 days (only leave to seek medical assistance if needed)
- not have any guests
- monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms
- follow all other guidance provided by your local public health authority
If it's determined that you don't have a suitable place to isolate or quarantine, you may be transferred to a designated quarantine facility for 14 days.
After you arrive in Canada, a representative of the Government of Canada will call you to monitor compliance with your mandatory quarantine or isolation. We ask that you please answer calls from 1-888-336-7735.
Travellers who need medical testing or treatment while in quarantine or isolation:
If you need to seek testing or medical treatment, you must:
- immediately return to your place of quarantine or isolation location afterwards
- wear a non-medical mask or face covering while in transit
We also recommended that you contact your local public health authority and follow any additional instructions they provide.
Travellers with symptoms (mandatory isolation)
No one should travel when sick. Commercial airline restrictions may also prevent you from boarding your plane if you're sick. However, Canadians, persons with status under the Indian Act and permanent residents who have COVID-19 symptoms are allowed to return to Canada.
If you arrive in Canada with symptoms of COVID-19, let a border official know. A Government of Canada representative will then be contacted to assess your situation. If you need it, they'll help you get medical care.
In addition to the steps described above for mandatory quarantine or isolation, if you have symptoms of COVID-19 you must also:
- use private transportation (such as your own vehicle) to get to your place of isolation
- regularly clean any common areas after use
- not have contact with: anyone who didn't travel with you, people who: are 65 years or older, have underlying medical conditions, have compromised immune systems
- not go outside, including private outdoor spaces, like backyards or balconies, at your place of isolation
If your symptoms get worse during your isolation period, contact your local public health authority and follow their instructions.
Travellers without symptoms (mandatory quarantine)
If you're in mandatory quarantine and have no COVID-19 symptoms, you may use a private outdoor space if your place of quarantine has one.
Avoid contact with those who:
- are 65 years or older
- have underlying medical conditions
- have compromised immune systems
You may only quarantine with somebody from the above group if:
- they consent to the quarantine or are the parent or minor in a parent-minor relationship
- you complete a form provided by a government representative at the port of entry explaining the consent and receive authorization to proceed
If you develop COVID-19 symptoms within your 14-day quarantine period:
- isolate yourself from others immediately
- contact your public health authority and follow their instructions
- extend your quarantine to 14 days from the day your symptoms developed
Exemptions to mandatory quarantine
There are no exemptions from mandatory quarantine for:
- compassionate reasons, such as visiting a critically ill loved one or attending a funeral
- travellers entering Canada who have tested negative for COVID-19
undefined - travellers entering Canada who have recovered from COVID-19
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If you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19 and you’re a member of one of the exempt classes of persons listed in the mandatory isolation order, then you don’t have to meet federal quarantine requirements, but are required to respect the intent of the order in addition to any provincial and local requirements. This exemption from federal quarantine requirements includes, with conditions, persons who perform an essential job or function, as described in the order.
You don't require an interpretive letter from the Public Health Agency of Canada in order to be exempted from an emergency order.
If you've requested an interpretative letter for a future travel exemption, this letter would be taken into account. However, it wouldn't be considered a final decision for entry or for quarantine requirements.
A government representative at the border will determine if your reason for travelling to Canada can be considered for exemption under the emergency orders.
If you're exempt from the 14-day quarantine requirement, you must still:
- monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms
- wear a non-medical mask or face covering while in public settings if physical distancing can't be maintained
- follow public health guidance and prevention measures from your local health authority and your employer
Isolate yourself from others right away if you develop COVID-19 symptoms and contact your local public health authority for further instruction.
Employers of exempt workers should conduct active daily monitoring of their staff for COVID-19 symptoms, checking for cough, fever or shortness of breath. Use the risk assessment tool for workplaces and businesses for more guidance.
Check your exposure risk
Have you been on a flight, cruise or train, or at a public gathering? Check the listed exposure locations to see if you may have been exposed to COVID-19.
Non-medical Masks or Face Coverings While Travelling on Public Transportation
All air travellers, with some exceptions, are required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering while travelling.
The following people should not wear a mask:
- Children under 2 years old
- People who have trouble breathing
- People who need help to remove a mask
- People who provide a medical certificate certifying that they’re unable to wear a face mask for a medical reason
You may also need to wear a non-medical mask or face covering on other modes of transportation that are federally regulated. Before you travel, check to see how transportation measures affect your plans and what you need to pack.
For Travellers Arriving in Canada - Canadian Borders
Until June 30, 2020, travel to Canada will be restricted for all foreign nationals coming from any country other than the United States (U.S.). Other restrictions apply to those travelling from the U.S.
These new restrictions prohibit any foreign national, including U.S. nationals, from entering Canada for optional or discretionary purposes (non-essential travel).
Any foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada by the air and marine modes if they arrive from a foreign country other than the United States, with some exceptions.
Restriction of All Non-essential Travel Between Canada and the U.S.
As of August 21 2020, the restriction on all discretionary travel at the Canada-U.S. border that was initially implemented on March 21, 2020, was extended for an additional 30 days until September 21, 2020. This applies to all foreign nationals with some exceptions for immediate family members (see section below). Potential travellers should consult the Border Information Service for information.
- Tourism
- Entertainment
- Recreation
Travel by healthy people who have to cross the border to go to work or for other essential purposes, such as medical care, will continue.
Some examples of essential travel purposes are:
- Crossing the border for work and study
- Economic services and supply chains
- Critical infrastructure support
- Health, immediate medical care, safety and security;
- Shopping for essential goods such as medication or goods necessary to preserve the health and safety of an individual or family
- Other activities at the discretion of the border services officer
Both Canada and the United States recognize how closely our economies are integrated, and it is essential that trade continue during this pandemic. This order ensures that economic supply chains remain open and we will work to facilitate the continued access to goods and services, uninterrupted.
If you are currently travelling in the United States:
- Consider returning to Canada as soon as possible
- Expect longer wait time at border crossing points
- Comply with any restrictive measures and directives issued by local authorities such as self-isolation and quarantine orders
- Contact your airline or tour operator regarding your travel plans
Travellers Within Canada
As of March 30, 2020, all passengers flying in Canada will be subject to a health check prior to boarding. You will not be permitted to board if you:
- Show any symptoms of COVID-19 or
- Have been refused boarding in the past 14 days due to a medical reason related to COVID-19 or
- Are subject to a provincial or local public health order
If you weren't allowed on a flight because you had COVID-19 symptoms, you can't board any other flight until:
- 14 days have passed and you no longer have symptoms or
- You present a medical certificate confirming that your symptoms aren't related to COVID-19
Travellers within Canada may be subject to additional provincial, territorial and local public health measures at your final destination. In addition, they may be exempted from provincial or territorial border restrictions within Canada if their reason for travelling within Canada is to provide support to a business that's considered essential:
- By Public Safety Canada
- Within a province or territory
For Canadians who have not Travelled Outside of Canada
Stay at home as much as possible. All Canadians should be practicing physical (social) distancing. Even if you don't have symptoms of COVID-19, you could become infected by others.
- Stay at home unless you have to go to work, talk to your employer about working at home if possible
- Avoid all non-essential trips in your community
- Do not gather in groups
- Limit contact with people at higher risk (e.g. older adults and those in poor health)
- Go outside to exercise but stay close to home
- If you leave your home, always keep a distance of at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others, household contacts (people you live with) do not need to distance from each other unless they are sick or have travelled in the last 14 days
You can go for a walk if you:
- Have not been diagnosed with COVID-19
- Do not have symptoms of COVID-19
- Have not travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days
If you go out for a walk, do not congregate and always practice physical (social) distancing by keeping at least two metres apart from others at all times.
Temperature Screenings to be Required
The Government of Canada will now require temperature screenings for all passengers travelling to Canada or travellers departing Canadian airports for either international or domestic destinations. Within Canada, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority screeners will conduct the temperature screening of passengers as part of departure screening procedures. This is in addition to the health screening questions and the wearing of face coverings that are already required for all passengers.
The Government of Canada is taking a phased approach to implementing temperature screening.
- Phase 1: By June 30, 2020, all air operators will be required to conduct temperature screenings of all passengers travelling to Canada prior to departure from international or transborder points of departure.
- Phase 2: By the end of July, temperature screening stations will be placed in the departure section of the four major airports that are currently identified as the only Canadian airports for international travel (Montréal, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver).
- Phase 3: By September 2020, temperature screening stations will be in place in the departure sections of the next 11 busiest airports in Canada (St. John’s, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Toronto – Billy Bishop, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria).
Official Global Travel Advisory
Avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice.
To limit the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Canada advises that you avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada.
If you have plans to travel, Canadian travellers should contact their CAA Travel Consultant, airline or tour operator to determine options for cancelling or postponing their trips.
Many countries have put in place travel or border restrictions, such as movement restrictions and quarantines.
Many airlines are suspending flights. Many airports are closing, preventing flights from leaving. Exit bans are becoming more frequent.
New restrictions may be imposed with little warning. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted and you may be forced to remain outside of Canada longer than expected. Canadian travellers should return to Canada as soon as possible.
Making the choice to stay at home and to not travel outside of Canada is the best way to protect yourself, your family and the most vulnerable groups in our communities from the spread of COVID-19.
Although it is not advised, if you are still considering travel outside of Canada, you should do the following:
- Check your destination before travelling
- Know the health risks for your destination
- Understand the risks of your safety and security abroad
- Ensure that you have sufficient finances and necessities, including medication, in case your travels are disrupted
It is important to remember that if you travel abroad, you could be subject to the measures of other countries. Your one-week trip may become much longer. You may also have reduced access to quality health care.
For the latest updates from the Government of Canada on travel advice and advisories, visit travel.gc.ca.
If you must travel during the pandemic:
Take precautions against respiratory illnesses, and seek medical attention if you become sick.
During your trip:
- avoid large crowds or crowded areas
- avoid contact with sick people, especially if they have a cough, fever or difficulty breathing
- be aware of the local situation and follow local public health advice
- wash your hands often with soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds
undefined - practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette
Monitor your health:
If you become sick, avoid contact with others except to see a health care professional.
If you feel sick during your flight to Canada or upon arrival, inform the flight attendant or a Canadian border services officer.
If you do not have symptoms but believe you were exposed to someone who was sick with COVID-19, report this information to a Canada border services agent on arrival in Canada. This is required under the Quarantine Act. The Canada border services agent will provide instructions for you to follow.
You will see messaging on arrivals screens at international airports to help guide you if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Arriving travellers will also be provided with information on what symptoms to identify and how to contact local health authorities.
Avoid All Travel on Cruise Ships
The Government of Canada is advising that you avoid all travel on cruise ships due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, until further notice.
Cruise passengers include travellers from around the world who may be arriving from areas with known or unknown spread of COVID-19. The virus can spread quickly on board cruises due to the close contact between passengers. Older people and people with a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition are at a higher risk of developing severe disease.
Recent cruise ship outbreaks of COVID-19 indicate that a large number of individuals onboard can become infected. While the majority of affected passengers may experience mild symptoms, there have been a significant number of cases requiring hospitalization and critical care, and some deaths have been reported.
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, many countries outside of Canada are implementing policies and restrictions in order to contain the global outbreak. These restrictions may impact a cruise traveller's:
- Itinerary
- Ability to disembark
- Access to health care
While abroad, if an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs on your cruise ship:
- You could be subject to quarantine procedures, on-board ship or in a foreign country
- The range of consular services available to those on cruise ships, in particular in situations of quarantine, may be significantly restricted by local authorities
- Upon return to Canada, you will be required to remain in mandatory isolation for 14 days at a location determined by the Chief Public Health Officer as per the terms of any applicable emergency orders
Although it is not advised, Canadians who choose to voyage on a cruise ship should also be aware that they may not be offered the opportunity to return to Canada on a government-organized repatriation flight, or could be responsible for the costs of repatriation travel.
Safety and Security Abroad
The Government of Canada advises that you avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada.
However, essential travel may need to occur and travellers should expect increased health screening measures at points of entry for international destinations, including airports and land borders. Local authorities may impose control measures suddenly, including movement restrictions such as quarantines.
Some governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions for their territory. Before travelling, verify with the foreign diplomatic mission of your destination to see if its authorities have implemented any specific restrictions related to this situation. These include entry requirements, border closures and flight suspensions.
To ensure you are aware of the latest developments on this evolving situation, we recommend:
- Monitoring the news
- Reading all travel advice and advisories for your destination
If you are in an affected destination, we recommend:
- Following the instructions of local authorities
- Signing up to our Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important updates
Register as a Canadian Travelling Abroad
Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.
