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Flight Information

Travel Directives and Additional Resources

Travellers:  Please arrive 75 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

The Government of Canada has issued a number of directives and screening measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

  • Canada's border remains closed to foreign nationals, with some exceptions.  
  • As of August 9th, there will be:
    • An opening of the Canada-U.S. border to non-essential travel for fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents who currently live in the U.S. and are coming directly from the U.S.
    • Expansion of international flights to four (Halifax, Ottawa, Edmonton, Winnipeg)  additional pre-clearance airports and Quebec City. 
    • Elimination of the hotel quarantine requirement.
    • New rules for unvaccinated children under 12 years of age who are accompanying a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, or guardian.
    • An end to temperature checks by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) for passengers.
    • A random arrivals testing regime for fully vaccinated travellers.
    • An allowance for Canadian citizens and permanent residents travelling to the U.S. for less than 72 hours to do their pre-entry test in Canada.
  • Effective July 5, fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents will be able to return to Canada with a mandatory quarantine.  These travellers must have had two doses of a Health Canada approved vaccine, provide a negative COVID-10 test from 72 hours before arrival, take a second test upon arrival, and have a quarantine plan in the event of a positive test.  Eligible air travellers will also be exempt from the requirement to spend first three (3) days in government-approved hotel.   All other travellers will have to stay in quarantine hotel for up to three (3) days pending negative arrival test and then quarantine at home for the remainder of the 14-day period.
    • August 9, 2021 - Elimination of hotel quarantine requirement.
  • Effective November 21, 2020, it is mandatory for travellers flying into Canada via one of the designated airports accepting international flights (Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver) to submit their COVID-19 related information digitally using ArriveCAN app prior to boarding their flight.  For more information: Canada.ca/ArriveCAN.  
    • August 9, 2021 - Expansion of international flights to four (Halifax, Ottawa, Edmonton, Winnipeg)  additional pre-clearance airports and Quebec City. 
  • For Reporting Requirements after entry into Canada.  For technical and registration issues, travellers can contact the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
  • Canadians travelling domestically will not be allowed to board a flight if they show symptoms of COVID-19.  
  • PHAC, the Public Health Agency of Canada, requires airlines to conduct health checks of all travellers before they board an aircraft. The health check may be administered by an airline employee at the check-in counter or at the boarding gate.
  • Flying to Canada:  COVID-19 testing for travellers.


  • Entering Canada by Air during COVID-19.

 

  • The Government of Canada has also strongly advised Canadians to:
    • Avoid non-essential travel outside the country until further notice.
    • All Canadians abroad should return home.
    • All Canadians returning are required to self-isolate for 14-days upon entry.  There are exceptions for workers who are essential to the movement of goods and people however, they are subject to PHAC Health Check.
    • Flights, cruise and places or events with a confirmed case of COVID-19 are listed on the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) website.  Please check this website if you travelled recently.
  • Effective March 18, the Government of Canada restricted overseas flights to arrive into four (4) airports; Toronto Pearson, Montreal Trudeau, Vancouver and Calgary.  
  • Effective April 10, all international travellers into BC are required by order of BC's Provincial Health Officer to self-isolate for 14-days and complete a self-isolation plan.  If you are a returning Canadian or on essential business travel, you will be allowed in.
  • Effective April 20, the Government of Canada requires air passengers to have non-medical mask or face covering to cover their mouth and nose during portions of their travel through Canadian airports and in-flight.  Travellers without a mask will not be allowed to continue with their travel.



  • Face Masks Allowed vs Not Allowed

 

Temperature Screening Requirements For Air Passengers.  The Government of Canada has introduced new requirements for temperature screening of all air passengers travelling to Canada or those departing Canadian airports for either domestic, United States or international destinations.  Temperature Screening for passengers departing Victoria (YYJ) will begin by Canadian Airport Transport Screening Authority (CATSA) Screening Officers on September 30, 2020.

 

For a complete list of COVID-19 measures, updates and guidance issued by Transport Canada please visit their website.

  • CATSA, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority under direction from Transport Canada is temporarily permitting additional 350ml of hand sanitizer through security screening.  Passengers may be asked to surrender it upon arrival international destinations.

Additional Resources 

Canadians Abroad In Need of Emergency Assistance

Call:  1-613-996-8885
Email:  sos@international.gc.ca

Canada has active COVID-19 travel advisories and several restrictions now in place and travellers are asked to consult the destination page at travel.gc.ca for the latest travel advisories.  New restrictions may be imposed with little warning.