Official Global Travel Advisories

• Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice
• Avoid all cruise ship travel outside Canada until further notice

Mandatory COVID-19 testing

Starting 11:59 pm (EST) January 6, 2021, all air passengers five years of age or older, including Canadians, will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to boarding their scheduled departure to Canada, unless they are travelling from a destination temporarily exempted from this measure.

Information on in-country testing facilities can be found in the Health tab of certain destinations. Contact local health authorities, or the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test. If you require emergency assistance, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Center in Ottawa.

Possible disruptions

As foreign governments implement strict travel restrictions and as fewer international transportation options are available, you may have difficulty returning to Canada or may have to remain abroad for an indeterminate period.

Many countries continue to have strict travel restrictions in place, and the availability of options for international transportation remain limited. As a result you may have difficulty returning to Canada. While some countries are partially opening their borders, we continue to advise against non-essential travel outside of Canada. We also continue to advise that you avoid all cruise ship travel outside of Canada until further notice.

The governments of those destinations that have opened their borders to tourists could impose strict travel restrictions suddenly, should they experience an increase in cases of COVID-19. International transportation options could be reduced significantly, making it difficult for you to return to Canada. There are no plans to offer additional repatriation flights. Should you decide to travel despite our advisories, know that you might have to remain abroad longer than you expected.

If you choose to travel despite these advisories:

• you may have difficulty obtaining essential products and services
• you may have limited access to timely and appropriate health care
• you may suddenly face strict movement restrictions and quarantines at designated facilities and at your own cost
• your insurance may not cover your travel or medical expenses
• we may have limited capacity to offer you consular services.

If you are currently outside Canada or you are returning home, see COVID-19 safety and security advice for Canadians abroad.