Updated Canada Travel Restrictions as of January 2021
COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide last March 2020 and with this, World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Because of this worldwide phenomena, various precautionary measures such as virus screening, quarantine measures and travel restrictions are implemented worldwide.
As a precaution to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Canadian government extended international travel restrictions to all non-US citizens until January 21, 2021. In connection to this, US – Canada border was closed until last December 21, 2020. Currently, Canada has placed some exemptions for the following people, provided that they are travelling for a non-discretionary reason:
- All temporary workers, seasonal agricultural workers and caregivers
- International students who has valid study permit or had been approved for a study permit when travel restrictions took effect last March, 18, 2020
- Permanent resident applicants who had been approved for permanent residence before the travel restrictions were announced last March 18, 2020 but who had not yet travelled to Canada
All Canadian residents including their immediate family can enter the country provided that they plan to stay in Canada for at least 15 days. Returning residents and citizens are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the country. While domestic restrictions have been largely devolved to provincial authorities’ discretion since they vary from region to region, with enhanced measures implemented in areas with high COVID-19 infection rates.
