Pandemic COVID-19 all countries: avoid non-essential travel outside Canada

Updated: October 05, 2021

Note

Original publication: March 14, 2020

The Public Health Agency of Canada is continuing to advise travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada.

If you must travel, it is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series in Canada before travelling. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 when travelling internationally.  Evidence indicates that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. However, fully vaccinated travellers may still be at risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably at least 6 weeks before you travel.

All travellers need to pay close attention to the COVID-19 situation at their destination, including at the local level, before travelling. The COVID-19 situation can change rapidly.

The content on this page is provided as advice. The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your safety abroad.

Before you travel

Do not travel if you:

• have symptoms of COVID-19, even if mild
• are in quarantine or isolation
• have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• are waiting for the results of a lab test for COVID-19
• have been in close contact with someone who has or is suspected to have COVID-19

If you're well and must travel:

• check for COVID-19 testing and other entry requirements for your destination
  • check the Travel Advice and Advisories page for your destination
  • Travel Advice and Advisories
• ensure you'll be able to obtain a COVID-19 molecular test at your destination before returning to Canada
• review Canada's travel requirements and exemptions
• find the contact information for the Canadian embassy or consulate closest to your destination and keep the information with you, in case:
  • there is an unforeseen lockdown, or
  • local health services become overwhelmed
• consider the availability and potentially high cost of adequate medical services in your destination, should you become ill
• check with your travel insurance provider and make sure you're covered for:
  • COVID-19-related medical expenses
  • other non-COVID-19 emergency-related expenses
  • trip interruption
• make sure you meet the requirements to board a flight in Canada, if flying
• plan for delays to your return home, including the financial implications and the practical arrangements (e.g. flight re-booking, extended accommodations at the destination, etc.) you may need to make.

During your travel

Community transmission of COVID-19 continues in many countries, and new variants of concern have been identified and are circulating. This is why it is even more important to consistently use multiple personal preventive practices at the same time, regardless of your vaccination status. This is called a layered approach and it helps protect yourself and others.

The types of activities and actions you take while travelling will influence the likelihood of your exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.

• Stay informed of the local COVID-19 situation, be prepared and follow local public health advice.
• Isolate for 10 days if you're experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild. If you think you have COVID-19, follow local public health advice regarding seeking care.
• Know where to access medical care, including a COVID-19 test.
• Properly wear a well-constructed and well-fitting mask when recommended, such as when:
  • you're in a shared space (indoors or outdoors) with people from outside your immediate household or close travel group;
  • you're advised by the local public health authority.
• Maximize your distance from people outside of your immediate household or close travel group. Follow local public health recommendations such as gathering size limits.
• Avoid high-risk activities, such as visiting crowded indoor or outdoor settings. Examples include:
  • large live performances
  • busy bars or sports events
  • travel in a crowded and closed-in and/or poorly ventilated conveyance (e.g., a local bus/minibus)
• Avoid closed spaces (with poor ventilation) and crowded places when with people from outside of your immediate household or travel group. When possible improve indoor air quality in shared spaces by opening windows and doors when it is safe to do so and as weather permits.
• Avoid common greetings, such as handshakes.
• Limit contact with people at risk of more severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19, like older adults and those with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems.
• Wash your hands often with soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available. It's a good idea to always keep some with you when you travel.
• Perform respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with your arm to reduce the spread of germs.
  • If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that you frequently touch.

Returning to Canada

Do not travel if you:

• become sick with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, even if mild, before your planned return to Canada
• have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• are waiting for the results of a lab test for COVID-19
• have been in close contact with someone who has or is suspected to have COVID-19

Ensure you've obtained a COVID-19 molecular test at your destination before returning to Canada.

Canadian entry requirements may change during your travel. Review the entry requirements and exemptions for your situation.

Travel requirements and exemptions

Air travellers are required to undergo a health check before boarding. If the air operator observes that the air traveller has COVID-19 symptoms, the air operator will be required to refuse to board the person for travel for 14 days or until a medical certificate is presented that confirms that the symptoms that the person is exhibiting are not related to COVID-19.

Measures that require all air passengers to wear a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn mask to cover their mouth, nose, and chin during travel are in effect.

To learn more about boarding requirements:

Boarding flights to and within Canada

If you feel sick or experience any symptoms of COVID-19 during your flight to Canada or upon arrival, you must inform the flight attendant or a Government of Canada screening or quarantine officer immediately.

If you don't have symptoms but believe you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, report this information to a screening or quarantine officer on arrival in Canada. This is required under the Quarantine Act. The screening or quarantine officer will provide instructions for you to follow.

Registration of Canadians 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.

Registration of Canadians Abroad

If you need assistance with a special circumstance

Contact the Public Health Agency of Canada
COVID-19 information line: 1-833-784-4397