This Version Posted: July 2, 2020
Travelling Abroad
If you have travelled abroad, you MUST immediately self-isolate/quarantine and stay home for 14 days. This is due to the Canadian government putting in place an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act. Further mandatory requirements for travellers entering Canada were put in place on April 14 by the federal government.
These quarantine measures apply to all travellers arriving in Canada and is aimed at slowing down the spread of COVID-19 in Canada. The only exceptions are essential workers, including those who ensure the continue flow of goods and essential services across the border.
Please Note:
- As of June 8, the federal government is changing travel restrictions for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Foreign nationals who do not have COVID-19 or exhibit any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or who do not have reason to believe they have COVID-19, will be exempt from travel restrictions on entry to Canada if entering to be with an immediate family member for a period of at least 15 days. However, foreign nationals admitted to Canada must quarantine for 14 days.
- The Canadian government is also extending mandatory requirements under the Quarantine Act for anyone entering Canada until Aug. 31. Border measures preventing most foreign nationals from entering Canada is also extended through July 31.
Please note: Information is current as of April 24, 2020
Violating any instructions provided to you when you entered Canada could lead to up to 6 months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines.
| Travellers Arriving in Canada as of April 14, 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Symptoms | Without Symptoms | |||
| MANDATORY Isolation | MANDATORY Quarantine/Self-Isolation | |||
| Go directly to the place where you will isolate, without delay, and stay there for 14 days | Yes | Yes | ||
| You must wear a non-medical mask or face covering while traveling to the place you will isolate/quarantine | Yes | Yes | ||
| Go to your place of isolation using private transportation only, such as your personal vehicle. You cannot arrange a pickup/ride with another person | Yes | |||
| Do NOT go outside | Yes | |||
| Do not leave your place of isolation unless it is to seek medical attention | Yes | Yes | ||
| Do not go to school, work, other public areas | Yes | Yes | ||
| Do not use public transportation such as buses and taxis | Yes | ** | ||
| Stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom from others in your home, if possible | Yes | |||
| Do not have visitors | Yes | Yes | ||
| Limit contact with others in the place of isolation, including children | Yes | |||
| Do not isolate in a place where you will have contact with vulnerable people, such as older adults age 65+ and individuals with underlying medical conditions | Yes | Yes | ||
| If your symptoms get worse, immediately contact your health care provider or public health authority and follow their instructions | Yes | |||
| Arrange to have someone pick up essentials like groceries or medication for you | Yes | Yes | ||
| Keep a distance of at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others | Yes | Yes | ||
| Stay in a private place like your yard or balcony if you go outside for fresh air | Yes | |||
| Monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19 | Yes | |||
** If no symptoms: You can only take public transportation to get to your place of self-isolation after you arrive in Canada, but must wear an appropriate non-medical mask or face covering while in transit. You must not stop on the way home, and practise physical (social) distancing at all times.
If you have symptoms but do not have a place to isolate, you will be required to isolate for 14 days in a facility designated by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.
If you develop symptoms within 14 days:
- Isolate yourself from others
- Immediately call a health care professional or public health authority and:
- describe your symptoms and travel history
- follow their instructions carefully
- Please note: The 14-day quarantine period restarts from the time you develop COVID-19 symptoms OR you are exposed to another returning traveller covered under this Order who has COVID-19 symptoms
If you do not develop symptoms after 14 days OR if you no longer have a fever and your symptoms are improved:
- You can stop isolating, but for your protection, stay home except for essential trips (like groceries or medication)
- You MUST practise physical distancing measures when in public
- Continue with frequent handwashing and avoid touching your face
If you are still unwell after 14 days, contact Telehealth Ontario or your health care provider for further direction.
Travelling in Canada
Travelling Between Provinces
To slow the spread of COVID-19, many parts of Canada have placed limits on travel between provinces. This includes the requirement that some people arriving must self-isolate for 14 days. If you are planning to visit another province or territory, you are encouraged to check provincial or territorial government websites to see if any travel restrictions are in place that could affect your trip.
Federal Rules
- Temperature screenings are now required for any passengers arriving or flying out of Canadian airports. This applies to international and domestic flights.
- As of April 20, new measures mean all air passengers travelling in Canada must wear a non-medical mask or face covering over their mouth and nose during travel.
- When travelling domestically by ferry, rail or bus, travellers are strongly encouraged to wear non-medical masks or face coverings whenever possible. They may need to use a non-medical mask or face covering to cover their mouth and nose when they cannot maintain physical distance from others.
Right now, the best option is to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you must travel, be prepared for restrictions.