The ArriveCAN app is still required, but traveling to Canada just got easier for families, as the Canadian government announced that it is once again adjusting its COVID-19 border measures.
Effective Monday, April 25, Canada will no long require unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children between the ages of 5 and 11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test for entry, according to a release.
Pre-entry tests still will be required for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers 12 and older who are eligible to enter Canada, though, the release states. Children younger than 5, who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated, already were not required to be tested before arriving at the border.
“The gradual easing of restrictions for travelers is part of our balanced and science-based approach to managing COVID-19 and its variants,” Canadian Minister or Transport Omar Alghabra said in the release. “Although some restrictions may be easing, air and rail travelers are reminded that they are still required to wear a mask throughout their travel journey. Wearing a mask offers an extra layer of protection for you and your fellow travelers, and will help keep Canadians, workers and our transportation system safe.”
Additionally, Canada announced that fully vaccinated travelers will no longer be required to submit a quarantine plan when they enter, wear a mask while in public spaces, report if they develop COVID symptoms, quarantine if another traveler in their group shows COVID symptoms or tests positive, or maintain a list of close contacts and locations they visited.
But using the ArriveCAN app to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours of their arrival at a Canadian port of entry is still required, according to the release, which added that those that do not submit their information through the app won’t be eligible for the fully vaccinated traveler exemptions, may face delays at the border for health questioning and could be subject to fines or other enforcement actions.
All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, also must continue to wear a mask through their entire travel journey, according to the release.