4 January, 2022
The emergence of the new Omicron variant has made Canada implement a slew of new travel restrictions. Last week, the country imposed stricter restrictions on travelers from 10 African countries. The affected nations include Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Egypt, Eswatini, Malawi, and Nigeria. As per the newly announced travel restrictions, foreign nationals who visited any of these countries within the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Canada.
Not only the foreign nationals but this news also affects Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are traveling from these countries. In order to return home, they are required to get a COVID-19 test. According to a temporary measure that is currently in place, Canadian citizens can get tested in South Africa.
The travel restrictions imposed recently are likely to be in action at least until January 31, 2022. With some stringent health measures, only Canadian citizens and permanent citizens can enter from these countries.
For travelers from all the countries except the U.S., Canada reintroduced on-arrival testing and quarantine. Travelers who are fully vaccinated should compulsorily take a test on their arrival and are ordered to quarantine at home until they get the test results.
Regardless of your vaccination status, 14-day quarantine is required by all the citizens in case the officer determines that you must self-isolate. For travelers of age five and up, the negative Covid-19 test is taken within 72 hours of the scheduled departure or at the border after arrival. In case, the test result came positive, the test must be 14 to 180 days old.
In order to be recognized as a fully vaccinated individual, you need the recommended full dose of one or a combination of the following vaccines:
- Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2)
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria, COVISHIELD, ChAdOx1-S, AZD1222)
- Sinopharm BIBP (BBIBP-CorV)
- Bharat Biotech (Covaxin, BBV152 A, B, C)
- Sinovac (CoronaVac, PiCoVacc)
- Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S)
- Moderna (Spikevax, mRNA-1273)
You can also consult the Immigration Lawyer Toronto Firm to get more information about all the required documents and certifications.
For Canadians from the 10 affected countries
Vaccinated travelers who are traveling from the countries where travel has been restricted will be required to get tested on arrival. In case an individual has tested positive at the airport, they will need to isolate themselves at home or a quarantine facility. If they test negative, they may still quarantine at home or a designated quarantine facility. After that, they are required to provide an 8-day test. If they have tested negative, they can end their quarantine on the 14th day and if it is positive, the quarantine will continue for 10 more days.
The requirements are the same for unvaccinated travelers arriving from prohibited countries.
For vaccinated travelers from countries other than the U.S.
Travelers from countries except for the US including the 10 prohibited African countries, will be required to complete a test on arrival. After that, they will need to quarantine at home until they get their test results. If it’s negative, they can be released from quarantine and if the test comes back positive, they must isolate for 10 days.
For unvaccinated travelers from other countries except for the US
Unvaccinated travelers who are allowed to enter the country will need to follow the same measures as travelers from the prohibited countries. They need to take a test on arrival and quarantine themselves for 14 days. If the test comes back negative, they will need to complete the whole quarantine period and submit a test on the 8th day. If the 8th-day test comes back positive, they must isolate for another 10 days, and if it’s negative, then their quarantine ends on day 14.
The Bottom Line
Traveling to another country amidst the pandemic is certainly very risky but you can make the experience effortless for you by consulting Immigration Lawyer Toronto Firm. These professionals can make your journey seamless while ensuring your safe travel.
