We are very excited to share the latest major update regarding Canada’s border reopening as announced by the Canadian government on July 19, 2021. On September 7, 2021, “the Government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travellers”, provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favourable.
What does this mean for international students wanting to come to Canada?
On September 7, 2021, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders to all fully vaccinated travellers. This means that fully vaccinated students (including students with an eTA, visitor visa or any other visa type) who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements will be able to enter Canada. Those students will no longer be required to quarantine at a government-designated hotel upon arrival or take a Covid-19 test on day-8.
As of August 9, 2021, the 3-night government authorized hotel quarantine will no longer be required for all travellers arriving by air. Fully vaccinated students who meet the requirements will be exempt from quarantine but must still provide a quarantine plan and be prepared to quarantine, in case they do not meet the necessary requirements.
All non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated students must still quarantine for 14 days. Unvaccinated students will continue to be subject to mandatory on-arrival and day 8 testing.
Accepted vaccines in Canada
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- Pfizer (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2) – two doses
- Moderna (mRNA-1273) – two doses
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria, AZD1222, Covishield) – two doses
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) – single dose
The government also announced some changes in the post-arrival testing strategy for fully vaccinated travellers.
All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, will still require a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test (PCR test) result. However effective August 9, 2021, the Government of Canada is adjusting its post-arrival testing strategy for fully vaccinated travellers. Using a new border testing surveillance program at airports and land border crossings, fully vaccinated travellers will not need a post-arrival test unless they have been randomly selected to complete a Day 1 COVID-19 molecular test. There are currently no changes to the mandatory testing requirements for unvaccinated travellers.
The Canadian government states that border measures remain subject to change as the epidemiological situation evolves.
This is very exciting news that we have long been waiting for, as we will now be able to welcome even more students back to our beautiful country, whether it is for short-term or long-term study programs. Please contact us directly should you have any questions about the latest announcement.
Further Reading (links):
- Full announcement from July 19, 2021
- International students and travel to Canada
- Easing border measures for fully vaccinated travellers