Government imposes further restrictions on international travel

February 02, 2021
Learn more about Canada’s new international travel restrictions.

On Jan. 29, the Government of Canada announced new restrictions on international travel. Effective Jan. 31, all flights from Canada to Mexico and the Caribbean have been suspended until April 30, 2021. Additionally, beginning at midnight (11:59 p.m. EST) on Feb. 3, the existing restrictions funneling incoming international flights into one of four airports will be expanded to include flights from the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America. Scheduled commercial passenger flights from these destinations will now also be directed to the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport or the Vancouver International Airport.

The government has also announced new testing and quarantine rules, which are not yet in force, but which will take effect “as soon as possible in the coming weeks.” In addition to proof of a negative laboratory molecular test result for COVID-19 taken within 72 hours of their departure, international travellers arriving in Canada will be required to pay for and undergo a molecular COVID-19 test and to remain quarantined at their own expense for three days in a government-approved hotel pending the receipt of negative test results. Travellers will then be permitted to continue their travel to their destination and complete the balance of the 14-day quarantine while complying with public health requirements.

For more information about these new travel restrictions, refer to the news release from Transport Canada. For the latest updates about travel, quarantine and borders, visit the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 travel page.