Canada will waive all COVID-19 travel restrictions starting October 1. Among the restrictions that will no longer be used are vaccination requirements and wearing a mask on planes and trains, the Canadian government announced on Monday, according to Reuters.
Travelers, regardless of nationality, will no longer need to submit health information via the ArriveCAN app or show proof of vaccination from Saturday.
The requirement for passengers to wear masks on planes and trains will also be waived. In addition, cruise ship passengers and crew will no longer be subject to vaccination requirements or COVID-19 testing.
Canadians and international visitors are looking to make travel plans
The measure is likely to boost the Canadian transportation industry, already booming after months of lull during the pandemic. The decision was also made following pressure from Canadian carriers.
“As Canadians and international visitors look to make travel plans, the long-awaited removal of all remaining measures, effective October 1, 2022, will further accelerate the recovery of our industry and the Canadian economy,” he said in a statement. announced, the second Canadian carrier WestJet Airlines.
What is Canada’s vaccination rate?
The decision to end restrictions was also based on Canada’s vaccination rate, the availability of new vaccines and treatments, and data showing the country has passed the peak of the latest wave of coronavirus infections, the government said.
“Thanks in large part to Canadians who rolled up their sleeves to get vaccinated, we have reached the point where we can safely lift sanitary measures at the border,” said Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.
However, Duclos said the government was prepared to restore restrictions if necessary.
“Obviously, we have no plans to reintroduce some of these measures, but if we have to protect the safety of Canadians, we will have to,” the health minister told reporters.