Canada Travel Restrictions and Exemptions due to Covid-19

In order to control and moderate the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Canada has implemented some border restrictions for those who want to enter Canada:

• at the Canada-U.S. border
• from any country other than the U.S.

The Government has been adamant about people traveling sick or with symptoms that may be due to COVID-19. If you are not a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, a person with status under the Indian Act or a protected person, you will not be allowed to enter Canada if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

In fact, Commercial airline restrictions may also prevent you from boarding your plane if you’re sick or if you don’t have enough reasons or proof that your travel to Canada is non-discretionary. 

Additionally, if a traveler’s entry is permitted, they’ll be subject to a mandatory quarantine for 14 days. Currently there are no exemptions from the mandatory quarantine, however, you may be able, upon request, to have a limited release from it for compassionate reasons, such as supporting loved ones that are critically ill or attending funerals. 

In this post we will discuss the restrictions and exceptions that exist in relation to international students, international workers, permanent residents (1st entry into Canada) and visitors.

We emphasize here that the rules and exceptions are constantly changing according to the situation of COVID-19 in Canada and therefore we recommend that everyone check the official website of the Government of Canada for updated information and whether the rules still remain in place.

International Student Travel Restrictions and Exemptions

You may be able to enter Canada if you are able to prove that you are travelling for an essential (non-discretionary) purpose and:

• Have a study permit;
• Do not have a study permit yet but your Canadian student visa was approved before March 18, 2020; 
• You are travelling directly from the US; and
• You do not have any of the symptoms related to COVID-19

How do I know if my travelling will be considered non-discretionary? An immigration officer will analyze your case and supporting documents in order to make the final decision on whether your reason is non-discretionary, but some of the reasons may be the following:

• you already live in Canada
• you need to be in Canada because your program requires your presence in Canada (for laboratory work, workshops, etc.)
• your school does not offer online study options
• you are not able to study online from your home country due internet restrictions or limitations
• It is very hard to participate in live online classes from your home country due different time zones

It is important to highlight that the list above only exemplifies some of the reasons and cannot in any way be considered as a guarantee for entry into Canada. In addition, it is recommended to obtain undoubted proof of each of the factors that justify your entry in order to reduce the chances of a refusal by the immigration officer.

Recently, the Government of Canada issued a new rule stating that DLIs with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their province (or territory) will be able to reopen to international students who are currently outside Canada, starting on October 20, 2020. 

The list of DLIs with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan in place will be posted on IRCC’s web page for international students affected by COVID-19 restrictions and updated regularly as provinces and territories identify additional schools.

That said, if you are an international student and plan to come or to re-enter Canada on or after October 20, 2020, you must make sure, before you travel to Canada, that your DLI is on the list of DLIs with approved COVID-19 readiness plans. It is important to say that such change will apply to all international students, whether you’re travelling from the United States or from any other country and it also includes the students that were already in Canada and have left the country for any reason.

Finally, if an international student entry is permitted, they’ll be subject to mandatory quarantine for 14 days.

Travel Exemptions and Restrictions for International Workers (work permit holders)

The precautions to be followed before, during and after your trip are the same as those mentioned above for international students.

As a worker, your travel is essential (non-discretionary) and you can be allowed into Canada if you’re in either of these situations:

• You have a valid work permit and normally live in Canada (this applies even if you’ve been laid off)
• You’re a worker who meets all of the following:
  • has a letter of introduction for a work permit (open or employer-specific)
  • has a valid job offer
  • can work once you enter Canada and complete your 14-day quarantine (unless you’re exempt)

Your travel is considered non-essential if:

• You have a letter of introduction for an employer-specific work permit but your employer has closed their business due to the COVID-19 pandemic; or
• You have a letter of introduction for an open work permit, but you don’t have a job contract and are planning to find a job once you arrive in Canada.

People approved to become permanent residents (COPR holders)

If your Canadian permanent residence has been approved by March 18, 2020 and you have not yet entered Canada, you may be allowed to enter the country, provided you follow the necessary care and safety instructions mentioned above. 

You also are exempt from the current travel restrictions and can come to Canada if:

• Your COPR was issued after March 18, 2020 and you are an immediate family member sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; or
• You are currently living in the U.S. and will be coming to Canada directly (transiting through the U.S. to Canada doesn’t apply);
• You are going to Canada to settle permanently (you cannot come to Canada and leave to go live in another country, even if it’s temporary);
• You’re able to quarantine for 14 days

Travel Exemptions and Restrictions For visitors (tourist visas or ETA)

Even if you have a tourist visa or a valid ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), your entry into Canada may be prohibited. Your trip will only be authorized if it is for an emergency or essential reason – which will be assessed and determined by the immigration officer.

Although border restrictions remain in effect until at least October 21, the Government of Canada has eased the entry of some travelers, such as family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents (including those who have been in an exclusive relationship for at least one year and their dependents), foreign exchange students and citizens of other nationalities who need to enter the country in specific circumstances, such as life-threatening illnesses, serious injuries or death (dismissal from relatives or funerals):

1. an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is staying in Canada for 15 days or more
2. an extended family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is staying in Canada for 15 days or more
3. a person who is authorized by the Public Health Agency of Canada to travel to Canada for compassionate reasons

To check if your case is among the exceptions listed above, visit the IRCC website here.

Visitors arriving in Canada also must quarantine for 14 days, except those who receive a specific exemption.

In addition, every visitor will need to apply for and receive official authorization before traveling to the country. 

For other visitors, the Canadian government continues to apply the travel restrictions that have been in place since March 2020.

Final Travel Restriction Considerations

Even if you hear of a case where the person did not fit the conditions of an exemption and still managed to enter Canada, this cannot be considered in any way as a guarantee that you will also be able to enter. That said, make sure that you fit into the situations considered as an exception to the restrictions and provide all the documents you can to present them to the immigration officer.

Furthermore, when travelling to Canada, make sure you have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive, mentioning:

• a place to stay
• how you’ll:
  • get to your destination
  • get your groceries
  • access essential services and medical care

This plan is mandatory, even if you have no symptoms. The penalties for not following your quarantine plan once you’re in the country can include

• a fine of up to $750,000
• 6 months of jail time
• being found inadmissible, removed from Canada and banned from entering for 1 year

Finally, we emphasize again that the rules and exceptions are constantly changing according to the situation of COVID-19 in Canada and therefore we recommend that everyone check the official website of the Government of Canada for updated information and whether the rules still remain in place.