Is this the beginning of travel post-covid for Canadians? Everyone is itching to travel now that vaccines are rolling out. While the latter is a very positive sign (58.31% of Canadians and 50.38% of Americans have received their first shot), we still have a ways to go before transatlantic flights for leisure travel really take off.  

Here are the big issues that are still impacting travel for Canadians:

WHERE CAN CANADIANS TRAVEL TO?

As of late May, Canadians can travel to 98 countries, with a range of restrictions in 84 of them.  There are 14 countries that have no COVID restrictions, including Brazil, Iceland, Mexico, and Ukraine. For all other countries, there are restrictions around testing and quarantine. Air Canada has just announced (June 2021) that it will begin offering direct flights from Toronto and Montreal to Rome beginning July 2, 2021, with Covid-testing requirements prior to leaving and upon arrival.  Negative tests would eliminate quarantine.

WHAT ABOUT THE RETURN TO CANADA?

Canada continues to have a number of restrictions for return travellers, including:  a negative PCR or LAMP test before boarding a plane and within 72 hours of departure, another PCR test upon arrival, 3-day hotel quarantine while awaiting results, and self-isolation for 14 days.  This policy applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers. These timelines need to be factored into overall vacation time. 

Returning to Canada after Travel post-covid

WHAT ABOUT PROOF OF VACCINATION?

There is much talk about a vaccination passport. Some countries such as Israel and Denmark have already created their version of a digital passport or vaccination certificate.  However, there are enormous challenges of ethical, regulatory, and technological measure that need to be addressed before a system is created that can accommodate global travel.

WHAT ABOUT MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR Covid?

Currently, there are at least 13 companies that offer medical coverage related to Covid. In addition, some countries and some vacation packages are including Covid-insurance for free.  Best to check with a travel agent for details.

WHAT ABOUT MY PASSPORT RENEWAL?

Know that the demand for passports is relatively low at the moment.  However, once travel opens up, the demand will likely surge.  Check your expiration date now and take steps to renew if you are close to expiry.  Remember that some countries have different requirements regarding expiration dates.

FINAL NOTES ON TRAVEL POST-COVID


Those are the main items for travel post-covid for Canadians right now.  If you have travel-related questions, send me an email and I will be sure to look for answers.