Where Can Canadians Travel Right Now in 2021?

This information is up to date as of February 4, 2021.
 

The federal government advises that Canadians avoid all non‑essential travel, both at home and abroad. Stay informed on the latest travel rules and restrictions by visiting the Government of Canada’s site on travel health notices.

If your reason for travel is considered essential by a province or territory under the Quarantine Act’s emergency orders (and you are given an exemption by the government of Canada) here are some helpful resources to help you plan your trip.

Should you need to travel, Air Canada is flying to destinations across Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia. To assist the federal government’s efforts to contain the spread of Covid‑19, as of January 31 Air Canada has agreed to suspend all flights to and from Mexico and Caribbean countries until April 30, 2021.

For the latest information, check out IATA’s Travel Centre Covid‑19 Travel Regulations Map, which sources comprehensive information from airlines and government agencies on travel restrictions. The Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable’s key travel information page also includes a regularly updated list of countries where Canadians are allowed to travel to.

Canadians can travel to several countries in Europe, but they will need to self‑isolate upon arrival. Poland and the United Kingdom each require travellers to self‑quarantine for 10 days if they do not display symptoms of Covid‑19, while the Republic of Ireland requires a 14‑day quarantine period. Effective January 18, passengers arriving in the United Kingdom must demonstrate proof of a negative Covid‑19 test.

Further reading: Refer to these links for more detailed and relevant information on travelling to the following countries:

While the land border between the U.S. and Canada remains closed for non‑essential travel, Canadians who do not display symptoms of Covid‑19 are allowed to fly to the country so long as they have not visited China, Iran, Brazil, Ireland, the United Kingdom or any of the 26 European countries in the Schengen Area during the 14 days prior.

Effective January 26, passengers must present a medical certificate with a negative test result for COVID‑19. This must have been taken within 72 hours prior to departure. Visitors to the United States are also subject to COVID‑19 measures set by the state they are travelling to.

Canadian residents are able to enter the United Arab Emirates, but are required to undergo a Covid‑19 PCR test showing no infection within 96 hours before the date of departure. PCR tests are also available for passengers arriving at Dubai International Airport. Visitors arriving as tourists at Dubai International Airport or Sharjah Airport must demonstrate proof of health insurance.

Travellers returning to Canada from other countries are required to quarantine for a mandatory 14‑day period. As of January 29, anyone travelling to Canada will have to quarantine at a government‑approved hotel for up to three days, at their own expense, while they wait for their results. This follows the January 7 announcement that all passengers aged five years or older (unless exempted) must demonstrate a negative laboratory test result for Covid‑19, performed using molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, accredited by an external organization such as a government, a professional association or one with ISO accreditation, within 72 hours before flying to Canada from another country. Proof of having received Covid‑19 vaccination does not exempt travellers from requiring a negative test result.

You must also use the ArriveCAN app to provide accurate contact information and details of your 14‑day quarantine plan on or prior to entry. Your plan will then be reviewed by a government official, and if deemed non‑suitable you could be asked to quarantine in a federal quarantine facility. Violating conditions provided upon entry could lead to six months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines. Check Transport Canada’s backgrounder for detailed information about the new requirements.

Visit the Government of Canada’s website for general information on what you need to know before you travel.