how can one travel to canada

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What to Know About Travel to Canada Now

Our northern neighbor is welcoming visitors from the u.s. again, but with some restrictions.

After some 16 months of being shut tight to everyone but essential travelers, the border from the United States into Canada finally reopened in August. Eager to fill their rooms and restaurants, Canadian destinations are rolling out the red carpet and happily welcoming back U.S. travelers, many of them jumping at the chance to visit. Chuck Carson, 72, and his wife, Christine, 71, had been planning a trip from their home in upstate New York to the island province of Newfoundland for years, to retrace Christine’s ancestry and enjoy the coastal scenery along the way. Carson says: “As soon as the border opened, we thought, this is our chance.”

But crossing the world’s longest undefended border still requires quite a bit of planning and preparation. “The biggest, trickiest thing is maneuvering the requirements,” says Julie Gillen, a travel advisor with Toronto-based Travel Agent Next Door. “You need to think about the requirements to enter, but also the requirements once you’re here.” The Carsons carefully researched their trip and noted a number of hurdles along the way. “But once we arrived at the border, it was simple, the gentleman had everything on his screen — he had our forms and vaccination documents online. It took no time at all.”

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Here, what you need to know when traveling to Canada in the coming months.    

Stay on top of the latest entry requirements

You can only enter if you're fully vaccinated. That means two shots of a COVID vaccine approved in Canada — including any mix of the AstraZeneca,  Moderna or Pfizer vaccine — or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine . Your date of entry must be at least 14 days after you've completed your shots (or shot, in the case of Johnson & Johnson), when you're considered fully vaccinated, and you must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours. Important: Antigen tests (sometimes called “rapid tests”) aren’t accepted; you’ll be turned back without a PCR test result. A few visitors are selected for a random PCR test at the border, but if you’re one of those, you’ll still be allowed to enter if everything else is in order. Your results are later sent by email, and you must quarantine for 14 days if you test positive.

In addition, all U.S. visitors need to complete the steps on the ArriveCAN app , which is available via free download. (You can also input the necessary information through a browser version and print off a paper receipt from your computer; if you’re not tech-savvy, ask for assistance from a family member or friend.) In the app, you’ll be asked to upload your proof-of-vaccination documentation, as well as a firm plan for quarantine, a just-in-case measure should the border service officer deem your status for entry unsatisfactory. You’ll need to fill in an address and phone number of a place where you could spend 14 days, if necessary (in the vast majority of cases, it’s not). “We picked a hotel at the St. John’s airport,” says Carson.

​Also note that there are re-entry requirements when you're ready to return home. All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result taken within three days of travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past three months in order to board a flight home (from any country, not only Canada). The CDC adds that travelers should get tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after returning to the U.S.​

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What you can do: Get vaccinated. And stay on top of the latest requirements and travel advisories (see sidebar for details). ​​

Travel advisories 

The State Department currently has Canada at Level 3 ("reconsider travel" due to COVID-19) on its travel advisory  site . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also considers COVID-19 levels high in the country, and says, "Make sure you are fully vaccinated before traveling to Canada." Check the CDC's  latest advice  before you go, but also keep a close eye on current advisories and regulations from the  U.S. Embassy in Canada  and the government of Canada's website  where you can take a quiz to ensure you’re meeting all the entry requirements. And don't forget to download the  ArriveCAN app .​

Consider your health care coverage 

Canada’s “free health care” probably doesn’t include you: Canada’s socialized health care system provides free care to residents and select others living in the country — but not to visitors. “Travelers who become ill or injured while abroad in Canada are expected to pay in full at the time of treatment if they don’t have a medical insurance policy that will cover their care,” says Michelle Couch-Friedman, executive director of Elliott Advocacy, a U.S.-based nonprofit group that provides travel advice to consumers.

Couch-Friedman notes that many travelers are unaware that their domestic insurance (such as Medicare) won’t cover them out of the country, even in a nation just next door. Before you cross the border, she recommends shopping around for travel insurance on a site that compares plans based on your personal details and needs (for example: insuremytrip.com). She suggests purchasing both medical and evacuation insurance, so that your passage home will be also be taken care of, should you need it.

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What you can do:  Read the fine print, ask as many questions as you need when purchasing and always ensure that your policy includes COVID-19 coverage. “Ask specifically what’s covered,” says Gillen. “Often, insurance covers only unknown risks and, in some cases, COVID falls outside of that.”

Be aware of varying rules across Canada

Although certain restrictions apply across the country, Canada’s ten provinces and three territories all apply their own distinct pandemic regulations, as well, and can also require quarantines for arrivals coming from elsewhere in Canada. Plus, vaccination passports are, or will soon be, required in a number of provinces, including British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. These are required to enter nonessential venues such as concert halls, movie theaters and restaurants. And note: Mask mandates are currently in place in every province and territory.

What you can do:  Visit a province’s website before traveling there to check on its latest rules. For example, this site maintained by the government of British Columbia provides an overall view of that province’s entry requirements and restrictions, as well as on-the-ground nuances (you’ll learn that several of its indigenous communities aren’t currently welcoming visitors). If you’ll be traveling to multiple destinations across the country, this website from the government of Canada provides an overview of all of the provinces’ rules in one place.

It’s best to book well in advance (if you can). Although many travelers might hit the road this fall expecting abundant rooms and shoulder-season deals, the pandemic has reduced capacity and availability in many Canadian destinations. Marieke Gow, general manager of the Artisan Inn, a boutique property in the scenic coastal village of Trinity, Newfoundland, notes that rental cars have become scarce in many places, and staffing shortages mean that some businesses are closing early for the season or operating on a limited basis.

What you can do:  In Gow’s words: “Plan, plan, plan. Letting accommodators and restaurants know you’re planning to visit will help avoid disappointment. It’s also not too early to book your 2022 trip.” But due to the unpredictability of the pandemic, you'll want to make sure there's no or a low penalty for changes or cancellations, and consider insuring your trip.

Expect to wear a mask in public indoor areas

While not universal (protests against mandatory vaccinations and vaccine passports have become an increasing issue in Canada), there has been a reasonable amount of unity on the pandemic in Canada, says Gow. Most businesses are taking consistent, across-the-board approaches, and a large majority of people support and abide by the regulations. For example, Newfoundland lifted its mask mandate for several weeks in the summer, before reimposing it in September. “I would say more than 90 percent continued to wear their masks voluntarily in public places like grocery stores,” she says. “The mentality is focused on how we can protect each other.”

Chuck Carson noticed the consistent application of rules across the board, which increased his confidence in his and his wife’s safety. Thus, despite the added layers of paperwork, he’s glad they ventured north of the border. “If you’re healthy and confident, go for it,” he says. “It’s so beautiful and wonderful up there.”

Canadian travel writer Tim Johnson lives near Toronto. He has visited 145 countries on all seven continents and has contributed to Bloomberg Pursuits , The Globe and Mail and The New Yorker . 

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Before You Travel to Canada

Pankaj Brijlani / Getty Images

Before you travel to Canada , a little planning and research are well worth the effort. Avoid the most common travel mishaps , like planning to do and spend too much and misjudging distances between Canadian cities by knowing travel requirements, climate, transportation.

In addition, Canada, though adjacent to and friendly with the United States, is a different country with its own guarded border, currency, and laws. Don't assume what flies in one country is okay in the other. 

Determine Your Eligibility

To visit Canada , you need to meet some requirements according to the Government of Canada, Immigration, and Citizenship. These include such things as having a valid travel document, be in good health, appear to be ready and willing to leave Canada when your trip is over, have a sufficient amount of money, and no criminal record.

What Travel Documents You'll Need

Don't slow a vacation down by not having the right travel documents. Once a confusing issue, crossing the Canada border is now pretty straightforward: Bring your passport . Some exceptions apply to U.S. citizens, but a passport or passport equivalent is the best bet.

Other nationalities may require a  visa .

Aside from travel documents, know  what you can and can't bring across the Canada border . Some items may surprise you.

Consider the Size of Canada

Made up of 10 provinces and 3 territories, Canada is the second-largest country in the world; only Russia is larger. The land plus freshwater area of Canada is 9,984,670 square km (or 3,855 174 sq miles). In fact, coast to coast, Canada covers five time zones.

The capital of Canada’s most westerly province, Victoria is 4,491 kilometers (2,791 miles) from Toronto and a whopping 7,403 kilometers (4601 miles) from the most easterly capital, St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Choose Your Destination(s)

Possibly you have one destination in mind or maybe you want to build several into your Canada travel itinerary . Canada is famous for its adventure and scenic travel, but there is a wide range of destinations to suit any interest.

Because the country is so big, not too many people visit all of Canada in one trip. Usually, it is divided up into more manageable chunks, such as a visit to the Maritime (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island) or Quebec and Ontario (Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, and Niagara Falls) or the West Coast, Prairie Provinces, or Canada's North. 

Decide When to Go

Maybe you head to Canada on a whim due to a strong U.S. dollar or a great travel deal or you plan your vacation way in advance. Prices, climate , and available activities change depending on when you are in Canada .

Money Matters

Canada uses the Canadian dollar, unlike its neighbor to the south that uses the U.S. dollar . Some Canada/U.S. border towns and major cities will accept both currencies, but you should familiarize yourself with Canadian money, where to get it, sales taxes, tipping , and more.

Differences in Laws

Before you come to Canada, be sure to read up on local laws regarding drinking age, speed limits , regulations about bringing in firearms, liquor, and more.

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COVID-19 guidance for travelers

Last updated: October 5, 2022

Traveling looks a bit different these days! Before you embark on your next trip, prepare by referring to the curated resources below -- one for pre-trip planning and one for when you're ready for takeoff. As these resources are from official government agencies, please note that we have simply compiled them in one place for ease of reference and that they are only available in English and French.

Latest Update: As of October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 travel and border measures External Link Title have been removed. For the latest information on travel to Canada, please visit the Government of Canada website External Link Title . Though we make every effort to update this checklist routinely, travel regulations and/or restrictions are continually changing and there may be delays in immediate updates. This checklist is designed as a place to start, not a definitive source.

• Check that your passport is up to date. Click here External Link Title to learn more about required documentation when entering Canada.
• Review the current travel restrictions External Link Title before booking your flight, transport, accommodation and/or other activities.
• Don't travel if you are sick or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
• Ensure you have everything needed for your flight or mode of transport. For updated requirements of what's required of travelers onboard flights, click here External Link Title .
• If flying, check your flight status and plan for additional time at the airport -- refer to your air carrier or airport recommendations.
• You're all set! We can't wait to welcome you soon. To get inspired for your adventure ahead, check out some of our favorite videos External Link Title .

Prevention and planning

The Public Health Agency of Canada External Link Title (PHAC) is actively monitoring COVID-19 (coronavirus). You can find preventative information here External Link Title on the PHAC's website or call the Health Canada COVID-19 information line at 1-833-784-4397 for further information.

Travel advisory

• Travelers are encouraged to read the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) travel health notices here External Link Title .
• For the latest official government of Canada updates on travel restrictions, please visit the PHAC website External Link Title .

Flights and border services

For everything you need to know to prepare for a worry-free flight to or in Canada, please visit the Government of Canada website External Link Title . This resource includes information about airports, requirements and more.

Stay informed

• Call the Health Canada COVID-19 information line: 1-833-784-4397 . Interpretation services are available in multiple languages. Or email: [email protected]
• Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)'s website External Link Title for the latest update on COVID-19.
• Follow Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, on Twitter: @CPHO_Canada External Link Title

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• DESTINATION GUIDE

The essential guide to visiting Canada

Here’s what you need to know about the world’s second largest country—when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.

Why you should visit Canada

The majesty of Niagara Falls and Banff National Park . Champagne powder at British Columbia ski resorts. Dense forests, teal waters. Polar bears and spirit bears and loons. Poutine in Montreal , lobster rolls in Halifax. The most lakes of any country in the world.

Best time to visit Canada

Spring: Whale-watch at Clayoquot Sound (pronounced clack-what) as some 20,000 gray whales migrate past the coast, a UNESCO Biosphere Region. A million tulips bloom in Ottawa as part of a spring festival .

Summer:   This is prime season for canoeing Ontario’s many lakes, driving the glorious Sea-to-Sky Highway   from Vancouver to Whistler, rock-climbing at Squamish, and golfing at a world-renowned seaside course, like Nova Scotia’s Cabot Cliffs or Cabot Links . End of summer sees the stars come out at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Autumn:   Polar bears gather in large numbers in Churchill , Manitoba , waiting for ice to form on Hudson Bay so they can hunt seal. For fall colors, take a boat trip up the Saguenay River, in Quebec.

Winter:   Dogsled, ice-fish, and snowshoe at the Carnaval de Québec winter festival. Ski or snowboard at any of a score of high, steep, powdery ski resorts that populate the west, including Whistler Blackcomb , Kicking Horse , and Revelstoke , the last being one of the snowiest places on Earth. At Whistler, ride the bobsleigh track featured at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Lay of the land

Cities:   Mountains and ocean sandwich outdoorsy Vancouver.   Lakefront Toronto’s dramatic skyline is interspersed with museums and vibrant ethnic neighborhoods. Sophisticated cobblestoned Montreal is where Canadians go to let their hair down. Colorful houses cling to the rock of St. John’s while icebergs drift offshore. “Any boat ride that has you entering St. John’s Harbour at dusk is a divine experience,” says legendary Newfoundland folk-rock musician Alan Doyle .  

West:   In British Columbia, get lost among the islands of Haida Gwaii,   home to some of the densest, most concentrated coastal temperate rainforest left on Earth. In Desolation Sound,   cultural interpreter and bear guide Klemkwateki (Randy) Louie teaches visitors how to weave with cedar bark and to carve miniature canoe paddles. He also takes guests by boat up the Toba Inlet (Yekwamen), among whales, orcas, seals, and sea lions, to the Klite River to watch grizzly bears in their natural habitat. “I’ve been involved in my Coast Salish teachings for 30 years, singing, drumming, dancing, giving visitors some Klahoose history. We’ve handed this down to the younger generation and to our guests to help with building a connection in working together.”

The 47-mile backcountry West Coast Trail (WCT) crosses beaches studded with flowerpot rock formations, and passes through groves of old-growth trees. Down the Vancouver Island coast is the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail , a shorter but more hilly option. “Both trails zigzag through thick coastal rainforest with lots of muddy sections and ladders to help you up and down the steep slopes,” says Taryn Eyton, founder of HappiestOutdoors.ca .

North:   In the Northwest Territories (NWT), paddle the Nahanni River through Canada’s deepest river canyons, along rapids, and past Virginia Falls, nearly twice the height of Niagara. NWT is also where you can canoe and swim in enormous Great Slave Lake and spot the northern lights , visible here 240 nights per year.  

Prairie provinces:   Elk Island National Park , in Alberta , is home to bison, elk, and more than 250 bird species. Nearby on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, Métis Crossing features a cultural center, historic exhibits, and dome accommodations with transparent ceilings for night-sky viewing. In early fall, Jasper National Park holds a Dark Sky festival with family-friendly events like night hikes.

Fly in by floatplane to lodges in Saskatchewan or Manitoba for trophy catches of northern pike, walleye, and lake trout. “Since there’s very little fishing pressure, the fish are typically giants, and more than willing to hit just about any lure you show them,” says Patrick Walsh, editor of Outdoor Canada   magazine.  

Ontario:   Charter a boat and cruise the 120 miles from the capital Ottawa down the 19 th- century Rideau Canal (the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America), through a series of lakes, locks, and rivers. Drive west alongside Lake Ontario to Prince Edward County , one of the hottest vacation spots in Canada, known for its wineries, food, hip hotels, and historic small towns like Wellington and Picton. Climb the immense sand dunes of Sandbanks Provincial Park, the largest freshwater barrier beach and dune system in the world. Continuing west along the lake, a new Canadian Canoe Museum opened in Peterborough in May 2024.

Quebec:   Montreal comes alive in summer with a series of events, such as the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal . In compact, French-speaking Quebec City, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a charming town in northern France. Off the beaten path, drive the Gaspé peninsula, encompassing four national parks and iconic offshore limestone formation Percé. Stop in at the International Garden Festival at Grand-Métis, Quebec.

Atlantic Canada:   A magical place of mountains and verdant coastline, Gros Morne National Park,   in Newfoundland , is one of the few places where you can stroll atop the Earth’s mantle , exposed when two continental plates collided. Visitors can hike to the top of Western Brook Pond fjord for an iconic view , or board a boat . The oldest known European settlement in North America—beating Columbus by centuries—is at L'Anse aux Meadows . Windswept homes of timber, peat, and sod, the Viking site lay undiscovered until 1960.

At the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark in Nova Scotia   marvel at the world’s highest tides in action.  

Cape Breton Island is home to one of the world’s great drives, the 185-mile Cabot Trail. A few hardy types bike the steep winding hills. Offshore, visitors whale-watch or fish enormous bluefin tuna.

Getting around Canada

By plane:   Leading carrier Air Canada has more than 900 flights daily. Floatplanes operated by small companies connect remote locations. U.S.-bound passengers can pre-clear U.S. customs and immigration at nine Canadian airports.  

B y train:   Rail is the time-honored way to see Canada, and operators run specialized services for tourists, like Rocky Mountaineer’s deluxe routes from Vancouver through the Canadian Rockies to Banff or Jasper. Regular train service by Via runs a limited number of routes.

By bus:   Intercity bus service has declined across Canada.

By car:   A car is essential for moving about within regions of Canada, but some top tourist spots—like Churchill for polar bears—are accessible only by plane or train.

By boat:   Bounded by three oceans and with an abundance of lakes and rivers, a cruise or boat trip is a great way to see the country.

Know before you go

Cultural heritage:   Native rights and the debts owed by settlers have become front and center in the public discourse, with land acknowledgements , which originated in Canada, now standard practice. Canada’s newest (1999) territory, Nunavut , is governed by the Inuit , and Torngat Mountains National Park , on the northern tip of Labrador, is owned and managed by the Inuit, the first of its kind.

The transcontinental railway helped establish Canada as a nation, but at the same time pushed aside Indigenous peoples and their rights. Blasting through the Canadian Rockies, untold numbers of imported Chinese workers died and were buried by their fellow countrymen, often in unmarked graves.

Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867, but when Great Britain declared war in 1914 Canada automatically joined too as it did not yet control its own foreign affairs. Canada gained legislative independence from Britain in 1931, an official flag of its own only in 1965, and constitutional independence from the U.K. as recently as 1982.

Hours: Bars in Canadian cities typically stay open until 2 a.m. Drinking age is 18 or 19, depending on province or territory, while some remote northern communities place restrictions on alcohol use. Marijuana is legal for both recreational and medicinal uses.

LGBTQ+:   Canada is consistently ranked the world’s best country for LGBTQ+ rights and safety of travelers. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2005—at the time only the fourth country in the world to do so. Pride Toronto (June) is one of the largest organized gay pride festivals in the world.

How to visit Canada sustainably

Greenpeace was founded in Canada and today the country ranks a respectable 14 th out of 76 countries on the Green Future Index . Keep your distance from wildlife. Bring your own reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and toiletries. Put all garbage and recyclables into designated bins. Support Indigenous peoples by taking guided walks and visiting Indigenous art galleries.

What to read and watch

Anne of Green Gables , by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This globally loved 1908 children’s book set on Prince Edward Island was adapted most recently into a Netflix series. November 30, 2024, will mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Montgomery.

Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands , by Kate Beaton. This autobiographical comic from Cape Breton’s Kate Beaton recounts her experience as one of the few women working in the rough-and-tumble oil patch of northern Alberta. Beaton’s story also captures the never-ending tale of Canadians from the Atlantic provinces migrating westward for work.

The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America , by Thomas King. This history of Indigenous peoples in North America has been turned into a 2020 documentary .

The Sleeping Car Porter ,   by Suzette Mayr. The award-winning 2022 novel focuses on a 1920s Black closeted gay Canadian working as a railway porter to save money to attend dental school.

The Hockey Sweater , by Roch Carrier. This 1979 short story about a Quebec boy who receives a hated Toronto Maple Leafs jersey in error has been an enduring favorite of Canadians, managing to capture the importance of both hockey and winter to Canadian children, and also serving as an explainer of relations between English and French Canada.

Schitt’s Creek.   The pandemic’s surprise hit series was written by and stars Canadians, and more than anything has a gentle, Canadian-defining vibe to it. If these characters are your people, you’ll feel at home in Canada.

Kim’s Convenience.   Written by Ins Choi, this sitcom about a Korean-Canadian family who own a corner store in downtown Toronto captures the intimate feel of the city’s many ethnic neighborhoods, as well as the common multi-generational immigrant experience in one of the world’s most international metropolises.

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Travelling while fully vaccinated: Your questions answered about the new rules

Eligible travellers to canada must provide proof of full covid-19 vaccination prior to arrival.

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Canadians eager to start travelling outside of the country again got a dose of hope when the federal government announced a plan to ease border restrictions. But the news still left many people with a lot of questions.

In late June, Ottawa said fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents will be able to enter the country without having to quarantine beginning the night of July 5.

But there are conditions, including that incoming people must obtain negative COVID-19 tests both before and upon arrival, be asymptomatic and have a quarantine plan in the event a test comes up positive.

They also must electronically submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 — two doses of a Canadian government-approved vaccine received at least 14 days prior to arrival in the country — to the most recent version of  the government's ArriveCAN app .

That last point prompted many people to ask the first of several questions we'll answer below.

Effective July 5 at 11:59 PM ET, fully vaccinated Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, and other groups currently permitted to enter Canada will be exempt from mandatory quarantine and day 8 post-arrival testing for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. <a href="https://t.co/3jFcbKGfSu">pic.twitter.com/3jFcbKGfSu</a> &mdash; @BillBlair

What if I don't have a cellphone or smartphone?

If you can't access the ArriveCAN app on your phone, or you don't have a phone or one with data while travelling, there are alternatives for you.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) says you can enter your information on the ArriveCAN website within the 72 hours before your planned arrival in Canada and then print or take a screenshot of your receipt and bring it with you.

You can also ask a friend or a relative to enter your information on the website for you, then give you the printout or screenshot. You do not need to be travelling together. The ArriveCAN website is accessible for people with visual disabilities, PHAC said.

So, to be clear, while having a phone with the app is not crucial, if you don't provide the mandatory information on the ArriveCAN website before arriving, you will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and to provide a COVID-19 test result from the day you arrive as well as eight days after. 

Fully vaccinated Canadians do not need to quarantine starting July 5

Why do i have to submit a quarantine plan if fully vaccinated people are exempt from quarantine .

This is required in case you're denied the quarantine exemption when you arrive in Canada, either because you have symptoms of COVID-19 or your vaccination status and documentation don't meet the requirements.

"Final determination of whether or not you qualify for the exemption is made by a government representative at the border," according to a government website .

So you'll have to confirm that you have somewhere to stay for at least 14 days where you'll have access to necessities such as food, water and medication, can avoid contact with anyone you didn't travel with and won't have any visitors. There is more information on this government web page , and you can assess your quarantine plan here .

What kind of proof of vaccination do I need to submit?

When providing electronic proof of your vaccination, the Canadian government website says you must load the following documentation into the ArriveCAN app or web portal:

• The details of your first dose (date, country and vaccine you received).
• The details of your second dose if one was required (i.e., for Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines).
• A photo or PDF file of the record of each dose of your vaccination, such as receipts, cards, or confirmations.
• Accepted file formats are: PDF, PNG, JPEG or JPG.
• Each image upload has a 2 MB size limit.

If your documents are not in either English or French, a certified translation into English or French is required. You can read the full requirements here .

What if I'm travelling with unvaccinated children?

There is not yet an approved vaccine in Canada for kids under 12. For now, the government says young children travelling with fully vaccinated parents will have to quarantine when they get home.

"Undoubtedly, this will be challenging for families who want to travel," Health Minister Patty Hajdu said during a briefing on June 21.

"The advice from the team — that is scientists and public health experts — is that to protect Canadians from contact with an imported case of COVID-19, children under 12 do need to quarantine for the full 14 days."

There is no need for families with kids to stay at a quarantine hotel when they arrive back in Canada — the kids can go home with their parents to fulfil their quarantine.  

If unvaccinated children have to quarantine, do the parents need to stay home too? Can the kids play outside? 

Parents who are fully vaccinated are not subject to quarantine even if their children are, according to a spokesperson for the Public Health Agency of Canada. 

"However, others who do not live in the household (that could include grandparents) would not be permitted to visit during the quarantine period," spokesperson Marc Johnson said in an email to CBC News.

The children under quarantine are OK to play outside if the backyard is private, Dr. Jim Kellner, a pediatrician and infectious disease specialist with the University of Calgary, said during a recent interview on CBC's News Network.

"They do still need to quarantine, and that means staying at a place without other family members and having their own space and staying within the confines of that home, which includes the outdoor yard," the doctor said.

However, he said that children should not be playing outside in shared outdoor spaces, such as shared balconies at apartments or condo buildings.

"With quarantine, you're expected to stay within your own private space."

What if my spouse is not Canadian? Do they have to quarantine?

The easing of the restrictions applies to all fully vaccinated Canadians, permanent residents and some foreign nationals who are eligible to enter Canada, according to Public Safety Minister Bill Blair.

"It is the traveller's responsibility to plan ahead, to understand their obligations and to understand if they are eligible,"  he said.

Travellers can find out if they are eligible to enter Canada on the Government of Canada website. PHAC cautions that some provinces and territories have their own entry restrictions in place for travellers coming to Canada from another country, and it is up to each individual to verify and follow any specific requirements . 

Who can enter Canada under upcoming eased travel restrictions

Will canada be issuing a vaccine passport .

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday that the federal government will work with provinces to ensure there is an "internationally accepted proof of vaccination" for international travel but will leave domestic options up to the provincial governments.

Some provinces have introduced systems similar to a domestic vaccine passport, while others have come out against the idea.

In Prince Edward Island, travellers from other Atlantic provinces can apply for a "P.E.I. Pass" to avoid having to self-isolate. Quebec authorities have also said they'll bring in a passport system to keep people who aren't fully vaccinated out of crowded public spaces should a fourth wave of COVID-19 hit.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, on the other hand, has said he believes a vaccine passport system would violate privacy laws. 

• Some international travel restrictions easing for fully vaccinated people with proof
• Trudeau says border restrictions will be further relaxed 'in the coming weeks' if all goes well

What if I can't get a vaccine for health reasons?  

Since people who are unable to receive the vaccine — due to eligibility, allergies or other medical reasons — can be infected by COVID-19, they can also transmit the virus and its variants to others, PHAC pointed out.

"As a result, those who are currently unable to be fully vaccinated will be required to complete the day-8 [COVID-19] test (if they are over five years of age) and full 14-day quarantine," the agency said in an email.

What if I have mixed doses of vaccine? Or doses from different provinces?

In Canada, fully vaccinated is defined as having received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before arrival to Canada. The mixing of Canada's approved vaccines is accepted.

• Trudeau says AstraZeneca recipients will 'not be disadvantaged' when they travel

The four approved vaccines in Canada are:

• Pfizer-BioNTech
• AstraZeneca-Oxford
• Johnson & Johnson

You may have received two doses of the same vaccine, or a combination of two of them (for example, one dose of Pfizer plus one dose of Moderna, or one dose of AstraZeneca plus one dose of Pfizer or Moderna).

People who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only need one shot.

It is OK if you received your first dose in one province and your second dose in another. You simply need to be able to provide the documentation that proves you are fully vaccinated according to Canadian criteria.

With files from CBC News

Related Stories

• Canada expects to have enough doses by the end of July to fully vaccinate everyone eligible
• The House: Canadians are losing patience with the border closure

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Donald Trump Is Banned from 37 Countries as Convicted Felon, Including Major Allies Like Canada and U.K.

If elected president again, Trump would need special permission to enter several key countries for maintaining foreign relations

Donald Trump may face travel restrictions with his newfound felon status , potentially complicating his presidency if he were to win another term in office.

Thirty-eight nations, counting the United States, bar felons from entry, according to World Population Review . Those bans stand regardless of whether someone is allowed to retain their passport after conviction.

Countries that turn felons away include several of the United States' strongest allies, like the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada — the final of which will host the G7 summit of world leaders in 2025. The list also includes a number of nations at the center of pressing foreign policy issues, such as China, Israel and Mexico.

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

International governments can, and in some cases would, choose to make an exception for Trump if he requested special permission as president to make a visit.

George W. Bush , who was arrested for drunk driving in the 1970s, ran into issues with Canadian travel restrictions during his presidency while planning an official state visit and, after applying for a special waiver, he was ultimately allowed to enter.

Win McNamee/Getty

In Bush's case, which still proved tedious, the circumstances were a bit different: the crime happened decades earlier, was only categorized as a misdemeanor and was never tried in a court of law (Bush admitted to driving under the influence upon arrest and got off with a fine and temporary license suspension). It's hard to say whether Trump's new 34 felony convictions would be dealt with in a similar manner.

Countries That Deny Entry to Felons

• Dominican Republic
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• South Africa
• South Korea
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States

If Trump were elected to another term in the White House and chose to apply for special travel waivers, the irony would not go unnoticed.

The former president has often characterized foreigners as "criminals," and has campaigned on a promise to tighten U.S. travel restrictions, which would include shutting down the border and instating travel bans on people of certain nationalities and ideologies.

Related Articles

• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Travel to Canada

Last Updated: September 19, 2021 References

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 38,633 times.

Canada is a fabulous travel destination. Before you travel, get any required travel documents, like your passport or travel visa. Review online to determine if you need a visa or just a passport to enter. Book your flight or bus ride, reserve hotels, and explore places like Toronto, Quebec, and the national parks in Canada. With some planning and research, you can easily book your dream vacation.

Obtaining Your Travel Documents

• Visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp?_ga=2.126977934.2001609413.1521752144-1927941775.1519337130 to find out if you need a visa. Based on your citizenship status, the website will direct you to the appropriate page.
• The questions will ask whether you are a dual citizen of Canada, permanent resident, refugee, stateless individual, former resident of Canada, or none of the above.

• The 3 letter code will correspond with your country of citizenship. For example, USA is for the United States of America and ARE is for the United Arab Emirates.
• Some countries have multiple codes depending on regions, so make sure your code matches exactly as it reads on the passport. For instance, there are 6 codes for the United Kingdom.

• Apply for your passport as early as you can. They typically take 4-6 weeks to obtain.
• Some countries offer online applications. Check online to see if this is an option for your country, if you prefer.
• If you hold dual citizenship with Canada and another country, ensure your passport is valid.

• Before you apply, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eligibility.html?lnktrk=visa_less_six_months to review the eligibility requirements.
• You may also apply on paper if you prefer. For instructions on applying, visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp?_ga=2.126454542.2001609413.1521752144-1927941775.1519337130#applyonpaper , select your country of citizenship, and download the application package. Then, follow the outlined instructions.

• If you are driving to Canada, show your travel documents when you cross the border.
• If you are taking a plane, train, or bus to Canada, you must have your travel documents to board. They will be checked once you get off the plane or bus as well.

Planning Your Accommodations

• Set your travel budget for a number like $500 (£353.28) or more, for example.

• If you enjoy winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, traveling to Canada in the winter is a great idea to take advantage of the snow!
• If you enjoy sightseeing and city travel, go during the spring or summer.
• To explore Canada’s wilderness, go during any season and view the majestic mountains, rivers, and lakes.
• Be sure to check the length of your visa if you have one, and don’t stay past the time outlined to avoid immigration issues.

• The officer will ask you details like the length of your trip, where you are going, and what items you have with you. They may ask to inspect your car as well.

• In addition, you can take trains or buses to get around Canada once you are inside the country. Canada’s train service is called Via Rail.

• To get the best rates, search for and book your flights 1-3 months in advance.
• If you’d like a shorter trip to Canada, consider flying from the United States. Planes take a fraction of the time it can take via ground transportation.

• Book your lodging at least 2 weeks to 1 month before your trip
• Alternatively, if you have friends or family in Canada, you can stay with them to save on travel costs.

• For example, if you are traveling for 1 week, bring 7 shirts, 7 pants, and extra socks and underwear. You may want to pack in many layers and bring some back-up clothing, just in case.
• Pack toiletries like your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant.
• Don’t forget any required medication and first aid supplies!
• When you pack your clothing, go with versatile options. For example, you can wear a maxi dress during day trips as well as dress it up with heels and jewelry for a night out.

Planning Your Travel Itinerary

• You can do things like visit historic monuments, explore popular cities like Montreal and Toronto, or go hiking and fishing.
• You can also visit https://us-keepexploring.canada.travel/#WhereToGo and browse activities based on your destination.

• There is also tons of shopping, restaurant, and lodging in Niagara falls.
• You can take a Maid of the Mist boat tour to see the falls up close and personal. Be sure to wear your poncho!

• You can see the Northern Lights from many of Canada’s territories and national parks. It is visible all throughout Canada, though the best viewing conditions are in northern Canada.
• Aurora borealis is visible in the northwest territories nearly 240 nights of the year.
• You can also hire a guide to help you with travel, transportation, and viewing locations.

• Visit popular national parks like Banff and Glacier, to name a few.
• This is a great option if you like hiking, climbing, cycling, fishing, or camping.

• Search online for local beaches and attractions in these areas!

• If you want to go to Toronto, explore things like the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Toronto Zoo, and the CN Tower. [15] X Research source
• For Quebec visitors, visit the battlefields park, Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica, and Palace Royale. It is also helpful to brush up on your French! [16] X Research source
• If traveling to Vancouver, check out places like Granville Island, VanDusen Botanical Garden, and the University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology. [17] X Research source

• Do this if you enjoy visiting cities and learning about interesting architecture!

• This is a World Heritage Site located in Old Montreal.

• Other things to do in Drumheller include taking a horseback tour through the Badlands and exploring the Atlas Coal Mine.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• It is helpful to plan your trip as far in advance as you can. Aim for 2-4 months out, if possible. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• You can also get travel insurance if you would like. This is a precautionary measure to prevent any lost or stolen items while you are on your trip. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
• If you are driving to Canada, save your purchase receipts during your stay in case a border officer questions you as you depart. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you commit any crimes in Canada, you may have issues with immigration. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• ↑ http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp?_ga=2.126977934.2001609413.1521752144-1927941775.1519337130
• ↑ Timothy Morson. Canadian Immigration Specialist. Expert Interview. 26 January 2021.
• ↑ http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas-tool.asp ?
• ↑ https://budgetbakers.com/blog/create-realistic-travel-budget
• ↑ http://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-destinations/trains/rockies-and-pacific/toronto-vancouver-canadian
• ↑ https://travel.gc.ca/air
• ↑ https://herpackinglist.com/2015/08/diy-packing-lists-travel/
• ↑ https://us-keepexploring.canada.travel/#WhereToGo
• ↑ https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/plan-your-trip
• ↑ https://us-keepexploring.canada.travel/things-to-do/where-see-spectacular-northern-lights-canada
• ↑ https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/recherche-parcs-parks-search
• ↑ http://www.chatelaine.com/living/best-beaches-in-canada/image/4/
• ↑ https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-canada-vacations/
• ↑ https://travel.usnews.com/Toronto/Things_To_Do/
• ↑ https://travel.usnews.com/Quebec_City_Canada/Things_To_Do/
• ↑ https://travel.usnews.com/Vancouver_Canada/Things_To_Do/
• ↑ http://www.cntower.ca/en-ca/home.html
• ↑ https://www.notre-dame-de-quebec.org/home
• ↑ http://traveldrumheller.com/attraction/

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Canada Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from Australia to Canada

Open for vaccinated visitors

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Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required on public transportation.

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Can I travel to Canada from Australia?

Most visitors from Australia, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Canada.

Can I travel to Canada if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from Australia can enter Canada without restrictions.

Can I travel to Canada without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from Australia can enter Canada without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Canada?

Visitors from Australia are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Canada.

Can I travel to Canada without quarantine?

Travellers from Australia are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Canada?

Mask usage in Canada is not required on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Canada?

Restaurants in Canada are open. Bars in Canada are .

Trump can't travel to these 38 countries now that he's a convicted felon

Felons lose various rights upon being convicted, from their right to own a firearm to serving on a jury or voting — and former presidents aren't excluded from those restrictions.

Former President Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying records in his New York hush money trial, making him a convicted felon. Now he'll have to navigate what that status means for his rights as any other American felon — but also as one worldwide.

That's because traveling is another right affected by felonies, with 38 nations — including the U.S. — either denying felons entry upfront or denying them if their criminal record is discovered, according to World Population Review . And with the public stage that Trump is on, that latter scenario would probably occur few and far between.

This may affect the Republican presidential front-runner's ability to fulfill his foreign duties if he's reelected come November. And although worldly leaders could make an exception in their travel bans for Trump, it's unclear which countries would be willing to do so, particularly as some of them have been on rocky ground with the former president.

For example, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former President Trump clashed publicly, and Canada reserves the right to refuse entrance to felons upfront. Similarly, with Ukraine, felons are denied if discovered, and Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's tumultuous relationship escalated into the former's impeachment.

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It's also worth noting that four of the G-7 nations have felon travel bans: Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada and the U.S. The group meets regularly to discuss international topics, and the unannounced 2025 date is set to be hosted in Canada. That would mean Prime Minister Trudeau would have to make a decision on bending his felon-travel ban for a potential President Trump or he'd exclude the leader from physical attendance.

Other countries included in the list are some that Trump has touted on the campaign trail as policy-related focal points such as Mexico and border laws, Israel and its war in Gaza, and "stopping Chinese espionage," according to his website. Mexico denies felons if discovered, while Israel and China deny them upfront.

Again, World Population Review says it's unlikely border officials will ask about a person's criminal record upon their arrival, but with Trump's public status they won't necessarily need to. And some only deny entry to the felons who are deemed a security risk.

Come November, here's the full list of countries that may have to decide if and how they'll change their current rules now that a former president is affected by them for the first time, with data from World Population Review.

Countries that don't allow convicted felons to enter:

• New Zealand
• South Africa
• United Kingdom
• United States

Countries that will deny entry to felons if discovered:

• Dominican Republic
• Philippines
• South Korea
• United Arab Emirates

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Kelia Losa Author Kelia Losa Reinoso is a qualified content writer with a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Media Studies https://www.canadianvisa.org/author/kelia-losa-reinoso

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2022-08-09T06:00:00

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Your eligibility questions are answered, especially the big one: Can you go to Canada with a DUI?

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Can You Go to Canada With a DUI? Your Eligibility Questions Answered

Kelia Losa Reinoso is a qualified content writer with a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Media Studies

You may have many questions about your Canadian eligibility: From whether you can move to Canada without a job, with no experience, or no qualifications, to whether the country accepts candidates with prior convictions. Here are all of your Eligibility questions answered, including the big one: Can you go to Canada with a Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?

Can You go to Canada with a DUI?

Generally, having a criminal conviction to your name gives the Canadian government grounds to categorize you as inadmissible to the country. One of the requirements you need to meet in order to travel to Canada, particularly to immigrate, is that you need to present a clear police clearance. If you have been convicted of DUI, most commonly known, you will not be able to meet this requirement.

However, you do have a few options if you've committed, or been convicted of a crime.

If you have driven while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including cannabis, you may be ineligible for serious criminal charges. This means that unless the Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues you a temporary resident permit, you will be unable to enter or remain in Canada. You must pay a $200 processing fee for the permit, and there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to enter or remain in the country.

2. Can You Go to Canada Without Work Experience?

If you do not have work experience in your home country, finding a job in Canada can be difficult if you are not yet in Canada. As a result, you may want to consider if immigrating to Canada before beginning your job search. You can find work by networking with locals and taking advantage of opportunities to demonstrate your skills.

Fortunately, there are few immigration programs that allow people without work experience to move to Canada legally. Study permits and family sponsorships are examples of these. These enable you to establish roots in the country and seek employment and permanent residency. Here are three ways to immigrate to Canada without work experience.

3. Can You Go to Canada Without a Qualification?

Many foreign workers believe that in order to work in Canada, they must have a higher education from a university or college; however, this is not the case. In fact, immigration and visa options are available to applicants of all skill levels in Canada. Here’s how to immigrate to Canada without a degree.

4. Can You Go to Canada Without Money?

The authorities require that you have enough money to live in Canada when you move there. The amount of money required to support your family is determined by its size. Proof of funds is how you demonstrate to us that you have sufficient funds to settle in Canada. If the IRCC accepts your application, you must provide written proof of your monetary claim.

However, this is not always required. There are some exceptions, such as:

• Canadian Experience Class
• Spousal sponsorship
• Live-in caregiver
• Trade agreements
• International Experience Canada
• or you have a work permit or job offer

Consult a Professional

If you were wondering 'can a felon go to Canada?' or you're not sure whether you have Canadian eligibility or not, consult a professional today. We work with a team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), who are experts in all things Canadian immigration. We hope we’ve answered the important question: “Can you go to Canada with a DUI?” but if you’d like to consult with a professional or check your eligibility, click the link below.

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