What Does Canada’s COVID Rule Changes Mean For New Yorkers

Canada is making some big changes to its COVID Travel Rules, but what does it mean for us New Yorkers?

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Starting Monday, June 20, 2022, people who travel by air in Canada will no longer be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to fly.

This marks a significant change for Canada because the Canadian Federal Government had been strict with its COVID-19 rules. These new suspended travel restrictions will make it easier for many to move about the country.

Travelers who are leaving Canada are also not required to be vaccinated as well.

While the suspension of vaccine mandates reflects an improved public health situation in Canada, the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve and circulate in Canada and globally. Given this context, and because vaccination rates and virus control in other countries varies significantly, current vaccination requirements at the border will remain in effect. This will reduce the potential impact of international travel on our health care system and serve as added protection against any future variant. Other public health measures, such as wearing a mask, continue to apply and will be enforced throughout a traveller’s journey on a plane or train.
-Transport Canada

These changes, while welcomed by many, they only apply to people who are in Canada and traveling within Canada or leaving the country. If you are seeking to enter Canada and you are not a citizen of Canada, the rules remain the same as before.

While people are not required to be tested for COVID-19 before entering Canada, Foreign Nationals, like those of us who live in New York State, are still required to be fully vaccinated to enter Canada. Travelers are also still required to use the ArriveCAN app to upload all of their vaccination information and be cleared to enter the country.