As promised, effective early July, the federal government will be implementing Phase 1 in its plans to ease current border restrictions.

Beginning at 11:59 p.m. EDT on July 5, 2021, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals eligible to enter Canada under current travel restrictions will no longer be subject to the federal requirement to quarantine, or be required stay at a government-authorized hotel upon entry into Canada. Such travellers will also no longer be required to take a COVID-19 test on day 8 following their arrival in Canada.

To be eligible, travellers must have received the full series of a vaccine, or a combination of vaccines that are accepted by the federal government, at least 14 days prior to entry. Currently, this includes vaccines manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

Eligible travellers will still be required to:

• submit the following information into ArriveCAN within 72 hours before arrival to Canada:

• travel and contact information;
  • a suitable quarantine plan;
  • proof of vaccination, in English or French (or a certified translation); and
  • a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment;

• provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours before their scheduled flight or arrival at a land border crossing; or, provide proof of a positive COVID-19 test taken between 14 and 90 days before their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border crossing; and

• take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival in Canada either at the airport or land border, following instructions provided by a government official upon entry to Canada.

Note that travellers under the age of five, or those who are otherwise exempt, will not be subject to the pre- and on-arrival testing requirement.

Regardless of vaccination status, foreign nationals will still be unable to enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) travel.

We will continue to update our clients with information as it becomes available. If you have any questions about this topic, other COVID-19 related questions, please do not hesitate to contact a Mathews Dinsdale lawyer, or refer to the Firm’s COVID-19 website resources.