Traveling To Canada? You’ll Need Your COVID Vaccination To Enter And Explore

People looking to travel to and within Canada by rail, air, and water will need to have proof of their COVID vaccination, starting on Oct. 30, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Trudeau made the announcement Wednesday during a news conference when he also announced the vaccine mandate for rail, airline and cruise line staff.

As of October 30th, people on planes and trains must be fully vaccinated. For a brief period, those in the process of getting vaccinated can show a negative molecular COVID-19 test. But by the end of November, everyone must be fully vaccinated - testing will not be an option.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 6, 2021

"Today we are fulfilling two of our main commitments — mandatory vaccination for federal employees and mandatory vaccination for travel," he said.

The vaccine requirement for travelers will affect individuals 12 and older on planes, VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, and cruises. During a short grace period, unvaccinated travelers and staff can provide a negative COVID test in lieu of full vaccination proof until Nov. 30.

"By the end of November, if you're 12 or older and want to fly or take the train, you'll have to be fully vaccinated.” Trudeau added that "testing will no longer be an option before boarding a train or a flight" in Canada.

Exceptions will be allowed, but Trudeau noted that they will be “extremely narrow,” saying the travel mandates “are some of the strongest in the world.”

Travelers who fail to comply with the vaccination requirement will face hefty fines. Air travel passengers who don't adhere to the mandate can be fined up to $5,000 per violation, while employees and travelers on cruise ships can face fines up to $250,000 per violation per day.

"This is about keeping people safe on the job, and in their communities. Because when it comes to keeping you and your family safe, when it comes to avoiding lockdowns for everyone, this is no time for half measures,” Trudeau said.

In Canada, about 82% of eligible residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with approximately 89% receiving one dose of the vaccine, according to Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.

The U.S. border to Canada is closed until Oct. 21 for nonessential travelers looking to drive into the country.