COVID-19: Testing requirements waived for some short-term travelers

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Canadian government has announced that it will exempt certain short-term travelers from COVID-19 testing requirements and expand its list of approved vaccines on Nov. 30.

Key Points:

• Fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals registered under the Indian Act who depart and return to the country within 72 hours will not need to have a pre-entry COVID-19 test.
  • Children under the age of 12 and those who cannot be vaccinated will also be exempt from the pre-entry testing requirement.
• Authorities will accept vaccinations on the World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing, including Covaxin.
• Authorities will require certain travelers to be fully vaccinated to travel within Canada or depart the country.
  • Travelers should contact their airline or railway company to obtain the necessary form and submit it in accordance with their carrier’s approval process as of Nov. 30.
• Beginning Jan. 15, 2022, travelers who are currently exempt from entry requirements will be required to be vaccinated to enter Canada. This includes:
  • Individuals traveling to reunite with family.
  • International students who are 18 years of age or older.
  • Professional and amateur athletes.
  • Individuals with a valid work permit, including temporary foreign workers.
  • Essential service providers, including truck drivers.

Additional Information: After Jan. 15, 2022, only agricultural and food processing workers, marine crew members, those entering on compassionate grounds, new permanent residents, resettling refugees and some children under the age of 18 will be able to enter the country without being fully vaccinated. Such travelers must still follow health and entry requirements.

BAL Analysis: Eligible individuals who are planning trips that are less than 72 hours will be able to travel without having to take a COVID-19 test. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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