Traveling to Canada: Quarantine Plan Requirements
With the recent easing of border restrictions in Canada for fully vaccinated tourists, many are considering a visit. However, before you embark on your journey, it is essential to have a suitable quarantine plan in place, as visiting requirements still apply.
Quarantine Requirements for Travelers
When traveling to Canada, fully vaccinated individuals must present a negative result from an approved COVID-19 test before boarding their flight. Furthermore, it is important to have a quarantine plan ready. This serves as a precautionary measure in case you contract COVID-19 during your stay.
What Makes a Quarantine Plan Suitable?
According to Canadian authorities, your quarantine plan must meet specific criteria:
- The location must enable you to stay for 14 days or longer.
- You must have access to essential resources, such as food, water, medication, and heat, without leaving your quarantine area.
While presenting proof of this plan at the border is not necessary, be prepared to answer questions about your quarantine setup. Thus, it’s wise to think through your needs before traveling.
Possible Quarantine Locations
Your chosen quarantine location does not necessarily have to be a hotel. If you’re staying with friends or family, a room where you can self-isolate for 14 days can suffice. Moreover, if you plan to stay in paid accommodation, it would be prudent to set aside extra funds in your travel budget to accommodate further quarantine needs in case of illness.
Additionally, if you are on medication, it is advisable to bring extra supplies. Packing additional essentials, such as underwear or other necessities, could ensure comfort should your stay extend beyond your original plans.
Why a Quarantine Plan is Important
Officials emphasize the importance of a well-structured quarantine plan, stating that it helps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within communities and across families. Therefore, being prepared is a vital element of public health.
Traveling from the US to Canada
Canada will welcome fully vaccinated visitors from the US starting August 9. Travelers must present proof of vaccination, showing that their final dose was administered at least two weeks prior to arrival, along with a negative COVID-19 test result. Prior to departure, visitors need to upload their vaccination and testing documents to the ArriveCAN app to generate a QR code for border presentation.
Conclusion
If everything proceeds smoothly and COVID-19 case numbers remain low, Canada plans to open its doors to fully vaccinated individuals from the rest of the world on September 7. Maintaining awareness of travel regulations and having a solid quarantine plan is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience in Canada.