Note: All information as of September 6, 2021, and subject to change at any time.
We have been getting a lot of inquiries from clients regarding what is open, what restrictions are in place, and how countries are managing Canadian travelers. With groups travelling throughout Canada now, plus groups leaving for the US, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Dominican Republic and Wales over the coming weeks and months, we have been spending a fair amount of time reviewing and understanding requirements and restrictions due to Covid.
Each country is a bit different, but we wanted to highlight some information for some of the more popular destinations our clients enjoy and give you a feel for how things are opening up. If there is a specific country you would like information on please give us a call and we would be happy to look into it for you.
The info below is a summary and by no way complete but a good stating point. In addition to the country specific info, there are a couple of generic recommendations we are making to all clients travelling:
- Be sure to pack you masks as most destinations have some sort of mask mandate in place.
- Make sure you have a paper and digital copy of your vaccine status as you are likely to be required to show it at customs and more places are starting to ask for access to some non-essential services like restaurants and bar.
- Check the government website for your destination frequently in case of any changes to requirements as there are frequent changes.
- Give yourself a lot of time to get to your plane – safety and security are making line ups a bit longer than we were used to in the past.
- Pack your empathy and patience. Everyone is trying to do the best they can to keep economies open and people living a more “normal” life so treat everyone with respect and understanding. They are just implementing rules, not making them up to make your life more difficult!
Canada:
The bubble burst in the Maritimes, the PQ border is open with Ontario and basically, all travel is now allowed through Canada for Canadians. US travellers are now allowed to cross the border and all other international travellers will be allowed back in effective September 7, 2021.
When flying in Canada, face masks are required in all airports and on flights except when eating / drinking. Currently, you are not required to be vaccinated to fly within Canada however that is expected to be implemented by end of October.
Each province has its own mask and opening policies however, in general, masking is required while in public indoor spaces. From a vaccine perspective, several provinces (in particular PQ and Manitoba and soon Ontario) are implementing vaccine passports and restrictions on access to some nonessential services if you cannot show proof of vaccination.
The bubble burst in the Maritimes, the PQ border is open with Ontario and basically, all travel is now allowed through Canada for Canadians. US travellers are now allowed to cross the border and all other international travellers will be allowed back in effective September 7, 2021.
When flying in Canada, face masks are required in all airports and on flights except when eating / drinking. Currently, you are not required to be vaccinated to fly within Canada however that is expected to be implemented by end of October.
Each province has its own mask and opening policies however, in general, masking is required while in public indoor spaces. From a vaccine perspective, several provinces (in particular PQ and Manitoba and soon Ontario) are implementing vaccine passports and restrictions on access to some nonessential services if you cannot show proof of vaccination.
United States:
The land border is not open for Canadians to travel to the US but you can fly down there (we know, it doesn’t make sense to us either….). Restrictions are much lighter in general in the US however, like Canada, each state does have its own mandates so check into your specific location or speak with us and we can help.
All air passengers going into the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States.
On return to Canada, you must get a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight or you will not be allowed on the plane to return home.
The land border is not open for Canadians to travel to the US but you can fly down there (we know, it doesn’t make sense to us either….). Restrictions are much lighter in general in the US however, like Canada, each state does have its own mandates so check into your specific location or speak with us and we can help.
All air passengers going into the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States.
On return to Canada, you must get a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight or you will not be allowed on the plane to return home.
Ireland:
Ireland is welcoming fully vaccinated Canadians for nonessential travel. For those that are fully vaccinated no travel-related testing or quarantine will be necessary. You do not require a negative PCR test to enter the country and before arriving into Ireland, Canadian visitors will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form. The form will be checked prior to departure to Ireland by the relevant carrier and visitors may be asked to provide the vaccination certificate indicated on their form.
For those who do not have valid proof of vaccination, they will need to:
• present evidence of a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival into Ireland
• self-quarantine
• undergo post-arrival testing – this will be provided through the Health Service Executive in Ireland.
Most services are operational at this point however only those fully vaccinated or with proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 6 months will be able to avail of indoor hospitality during their stay in Ireland. It is anticipated that this will apply from July 26th. Those staying in hotels can avail of the indoor hospitality options within the hotel.
You can freely travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland now that Canada has been added to the UK’s green list.
On return to Canada, you must get a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight or you will not be allowed on the plane to return home.
Ireland is welcoming fully vaccinated Canadians for nonessential travel. For those that are fully vaccinated no travel-related testing or quarantine will be necessary. You do not require a negative PCR test to enter the country and before arriving into Ireland, Canadian visitors will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form. The form will be checked prior to departure to Ireland by the relevant carrier and visitors may be asked to provide the vaccination certificate indicated on their form.
For those who do not have valid proof of vaccination, they will need to:
• present evidence of a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival into Ireland
• self-quarantine
• undergo post-arrival testing – this will be provided through the Health Service Executive in Ireland.
Most services are operational at this point however only those fully vaccinated or with proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 6 months will be able to avail of indoor hospitality during their stay in Ireland. It is anticipated that this will apply from July 26th. Those staying in hotels can avail of the indoor hospitality options within the hotel.
You can freely travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland now that Canada has been added to the UK’s green list.
On return to Canada, you must get a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight or you will not be allowed on the plane to return home.
United Kingdom:
Canada is now on the UK’s Green List allowing travel without quarantine. This includes Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Before you travel to England you must:
When you arrive in England
England has emerged from lockdown and most legal Covid-19 restrictions have now been lifted. As of July 19, there are no longer limits on how many people can meet inside or outside at private households or in hospitality venues. But the UK government still advises people to "limit the close contact you have with those you do not usually live with and increase close contact gradually" and "meet outdoors where possible."
All English shops, museums, theme parks, bars, pubs, hotels, B&Bs, cinemas, theaters and nightclubs can reopen.
Social distancing and face masks are no longer required by law. However, some businesses are still implementing Covid-19 restrictions, so it's worth checking the situation before you go.
On return to Canada, you must get a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight or you will not be allowed on the plane to return home.
Canada is now on the UK’s Green List allowing travel without quarantine. This includes Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Before you travel to England you must:
- Take a COVID-19 test – you must take the test in the 3 days before you travel to England
- Book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test – to be taken after arrival in England
- Complete a passenger locator form
When you arrive in England
- After you arrive in England you must take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2.
- You do not need to quarantine unless the test result is positive.
- If you will be in England for less than 2 days you still need to book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test. You only need to take the test if you are still in England on day 2.
England has emerged from lockdown and most legal Covid-19 restrictions have now been lifted. As of July 19, there are no longer limits on how many people can meet inside or outside at private households or in hospitality venues. But the UK government still advises people to "limit the close contact you have with those you do not usually live with and increase close contact gradually" and "meet outdoors where possible."
All English shops, museums, theme parks, bars, pubs, hotels, B&Bs, cinemas, theaters and nightclubs can reopen.
Social distancing and face masks are no longer required by law. However, some businesses are still implementing Covid-19 restrictions, so it's worth checking the situation before you go.
On return to Canada, you must get a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight or you will not be allowed on the plane to return home.
Portugal:
Nonessential travel is allowed into Portugal.
In order to travel into Portugal, you must:
There are limited restrictions in Portugal with the vast majority of service fully open (there are some capacity limitations). You will need to present vaccination and negative test results to access some service so be sure to have that in your possession.
On return to Canada, you must get a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight or you will not be allowed on the plane to return home.
Nonessential travel is allowed into Portugal.
In order to travel into Portugal, you must:
- Get a negative RT-PCR Test (or similar NAAT test) - 72h before boarding, or Rapid Antigen Test - 48h before boarding, or have a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate
- Children under 12 do not need to present test.
- All passengers need to fill a Passenger Locator Card (individually) before departure to Portugal
There are limited restrictions in Portugal with the vast majority of service fully open (there are some capacity limitations). You will need to present vaccination and negative test results to access some service so be sure to have that in your possession.
On return to Canada, you must get a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight or you will not be allowed on the plane to return home.
Spain
Nonessential travel is allowed into Spain.
With the new EU recommendation to reimplement travel restrictions on Americans, Spain will require proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival to enter the country starting Sept. 6, 2021.
This new process is effective Sept. 6:
Restrictions in country are limited however include:
On return to Canada, you must get a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight or you will not be allowed on the plane to return home.
Nonessential travel is allowed into Spain.
With the new EU recommendation to reimplement travel restrictions on Americans, Spain will require proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival to enter the country starting Sept. 6, 2021.
This new process is effective Sept. 6:
- Travelers must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival.
- Show recent proof of COVID-19 recovery (exact length of time unclear yet).
- Negative COVID-19 test (PCR test taken 72 hours of arrival or antigen test taken 48 hours of arrival).
- Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 may accompany fully vaccinated adults.
Restrictions in country are limited however include:
- Use of face mask - From 26 June, masks will not be mandatory in outdoor areas as long as the social distance can be respected. However, masks will be mandatory indoors or in enclosed spaces, including public transport.
- Social distancing - 1.5 m.
On return to Canada, you must get a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight or you will not be allowed on the plane to return home.
Dominican Republic:
Entry
While in the country
On return to Canada, you must get a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight or you will not be allowed on the plane to return home.
Entry
- Canadians do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival to enter the Dominican Republic. Airports and other ports of entry will perform a quick, aleatory breath test to a percentage of passengers, and all those who present symptoms, upon arrival.
- Passengers who present a vaccination card no less than 3 weeks after the last dose was placed or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in the Dominican Republic will be exempted from the random test.
- All passengers will also need to perform a temperature check.
- All foreign and Dominican passengers entering or leaving Dominican Republic on commercial flights must complete the free electronic entry and exit form, which combines the Traveler’s Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms.
While in the country
- Airport terminals have established guidelines requiring social distancing as well as the mandatory use of face masks for employees and passengers. Outside of the airports, social distancing of at least 6.5 feet (2 meters) and the use of face masks in public places are required for the general and traveling public within indoor spaces and in areas where social distancing is not possible. These locations include but are not limited to airport terminals, within indoor and outdoor shopping areas, while using public transportation, when seeking medical attention within a hospital or clinic, among others. Social distancing is also required at the beach, and within pool and jacuzzi areas. Facial masks are optional for adults at the beach area, and not recommended for children. All equipment, including life jackets, snorkel, kayaks, pedal boats, etc. will be disinfected after each use.
- Sale of alcoholic beverages: the sale of alcoholic beverages to be consumed in public and private spaces for public use is prohibited nationwide from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., as well as the consumption of these products in such places.
- Regulation of places of consumption of food and beverages: places of consumption of food and beverages throughout the national territory may receive customers in their facilities up to 50% of their total capacity, in strict compliance with current sanitary protocols and without exceeding 6 persons per table in the applicable places.
- Regulation of outdoor open spaces: people may use outdoor open spaces throughout the national territory, such as parks and boardwalks, for activities that do not involve agglomeration and in strict compliance with health protocols in force.
- Regulation of places dedicated to sports and physical exercise: places dedicated to sports and physical exercise throughout the national territory, such as gyms, may receive clients in their facilities up to 50% of their total capacity, in strict compliance with the sanitary protocols in force.
- Regulation of places for the celebration of religious activities: the activities of the different churches and other religious denominations may be held three times a week throughout the national territory, in strict compliance with the sanitary protocols in force and without exceeding 50% of the total capacity of their facilities.
- Regulation of other public and private spaces for public use: throughout the national territory, other public and private spaces for public use not expressly mentioned, may receive in their facilities up to 50% of their total capacity. These places must additionally apply those protocols and distancing measures dictated by the relevant entities for their safe operation under the pandemic.
- Regulation of the tourism sector: the activities of the tourism sector will continue to be regulated through its sectoral protocol. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the organization, promotion and execution of mass activities, parties, or other similar activities in tourist facilities throughout the country are prohibited.
On return to Canada, you must get a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight or you will not be allowed on the plane to return home.
There are many other destinations so the above is just a small sample. If you have a specific location you want us to look into, please let us know.
As a reminder, the above was accurate as of September 6, 2021 and are subject to change at any time so be sure to check for updates at any destination you are planning on visiting.
As a reminder, the above was accurate as of September 6, 2021 and are subject to change at any time so be sure to check for updates at any destination you are planning on visiting.
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