New restrictions in response to the Omicron variant
In face of the new Omicron variant, the Public Safety Minister announced temporary changes for all travelers, including Canadians, to reduce the risk of importing the new variant.
As of November 27, foreign nationals who were in Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa or Zimbabwe during the last 14 days will not be permitted entry into Canada.
Canadians and permanent residents who were in any of these 10 countries in the last 14 days will be subject to pre-entry and arrival screening tests and mandatory quarantine regardless of their vaccination status or their COVID-19 testing history.
Screening tests
From now on, fully vaccinated travelers arriving by air from countries other than the United States will have to do a screening test upon arrival in Canada. These travelers will also need to self-quarantine while awaiting the results of their drug test, even if they are vaccinated.
As of November 30th, 2021, Canadians and permanent residents who are fully vaccinated and who re-enter Canada within 72 hours of leaving won’t have to provide a pre-entry molecular test result.
Fully vaccinated travelers
Canada currently accepts these vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen / Johnson & Johnson. Since November 30th, Canada started accepting Chinese and Indian vaccines: Bharat Biotech, Sinopharm, Sinovac.
Starting January 5th, 2022, travelers who are currently allowed to travel to Canada regardless of their vaccination status (those reuniting with their families, international students, athletes, temporary workers and those providing essential services), will also need to be fully vaccinated in order to enter Canada.