If you were hoping to take an international vacation soon, you might need to rearrange your plans. The government is still recommending against all travel outside of Canada.
Summer is officially over and it seems our dreams of an international fall or winter vacation could be, too.
While destinations across the world are reopening to tourists, the Canadian government is still advising residents to stay at home.
In a notice on October 1, the government wrote, “Today we remind Canadians, including #snowbirds, that we advise against all non-essential travel outside Canada and all cruise ship travel outside [Canada] until further notice.”
The reminder comes as Canada’s travel ban was also extended, preventing non-residents from entering the country until at least October 31.
Editor’s Choice: Canada’s Travel Ban Has Been Extended & Non-Residents Are Still Not Allowed To Visit
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Can I go on vacation outside of Canada?
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has issued a global travel advisory.
The current advisory, which was first issued back in March, urges Canadians to avoid taking any non-essential trips outside of the country. This includes vacations and cruises.
While their advice is clear, it’s not a straight-up ban.
This means you can legally leave Canada to go to another country, regardless of the reason for your trip.
While there’s nothing to stop you from ignoring the advice and going abroad, you will have to quarantine upon your return.
Failing to isolate when you get back, per the Quarantine Act, could result in pretty hefty fines.
Can I travel inside Canada?
When it comes to domestic travel, the rules generally depend on exactly where you live and where you want to visit.
While some of Canada’s provinces are open to domestic guests, others are keeping their borders tightly shut due to COVID-19 concerns.
Aside from a few smaller areas inside these regions, all Canadians can visit Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Ontario with no restrictions.
However, provinces like Manitoba and the three territories have pretty specific rules in place. You’ll need to be visiting from an approved area to enter without restrictions.
Similarly, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and P.E.I. set up their own travel bubble, which allows free movement between their regions.
Visitors from elsewhere may still face restrictions or may be banned from entering altogether.
When will travel return to normal?
Right now, it’s hard to say.
While travel is resuming in some parts of the world, Canada’s COVID-19 cases continue to climb at a steady pace.
On September 29, it was confirmed that the travel ban preventing non-residents from entering the country would be extended until at least October 31.
Similarly, the Canada-U.S. border closure has been extended through October 21, although it’s entirely possible that this will get pushed back further once again.
Some airlines have been offering COVID-19 travel insurance with select flights, to encourage Canadians to return to the air.
However, with the government advisory still in place, leaving the country is not at the top of many people’s to-do list.
Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.