Canada to end vaccine mandates for domestic travellers, transportation workers

Shelby Thevenot
Published: June 14, 2022

As of 00:01 Eastern Time on June 20, Canada will suspend vaccination requirements for domestic and outbound travel, federally regulated transportation sectors and federal government employees.

Canadian government officials said the suspension of vaccine mandates reflects an improved public health situation in Canada. Nearly 90% of Canadians have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and case counts have decreased.

The current vaccination requirements remain in effect at the border, as coronavirus continues to circulate throughout the globe and the risks of infection vary by country. These requirements include quarantine and testing requirements for Canadians who have not been fully vaccinated.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Vaccination requirements for passengers and crew of cruise ships will continue to remain in effect. Other public health measures, such as wearing a mask, continue to apply on planes and trains.

The Government of Canada says it could potentially reimpose vaccine mandates if the public health situation calls for it.

Travellers have had to be fully vaccinated on all Canadian federal modes of transport since October 30, 2021, with some flexibility for the 30 days following where unvaccinated travellers could provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. At the time, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said it was to keep travellers and employees in the industry safe.

However, with the emergence of the Omicron variant, experts are questioning the effectiveness of vaccine mandates for travel. Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Theresa Tam has said the more infectious variant requires a third dose for effective protection.

In order to be considered fully vaccinated, travellers continue to need two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson.

Canada will also be suspending random COVID-19 testing at all airports between Saturday, June 11 and Thursday, June 30, 2022, in an effort to address congestion. Unvaccinated travellers will still be tested on-site. Starting July 1, all testing will be performed off-site.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

© CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
2024: Express Entry year in review
A Canadian flag waving in front of Canada's parliament building
How to move to Canada from the US
A picture of an arrivals to Canada sign at Pearson International Airport
How IRCC’s new Immigration Levels Plan prioritizes in-Canada candidates
A man views the CN tower from a distance on a cloudy summer day
Can you afford to live in Canada?
Top Stories
Alberta holds first provincial selection of 2025, New Brunswick provides processing updates
Celebrating 60 years: 10 fascinating facts about Canada’s maple leaf flag
IEC work permit holders see earlier cut-off for bonus CRS points for valid job offers under Express Entry
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Express Entry
IEC work permit holders see earlier cut-off for bonus CRS points for valid job offers under Express Entry
Two young professionals working in a modern looking office
How Canada uses the CRS to select permanent residents
A beautiful winter landscape featuring mountains in the far distance, snowy trees on the left and right, and a frozen river in the centre. The sun is washing over the mountain tops.
February 2025: State of the Express Entry pool
The Canadian flag waving in the wind with snow-speckled mountains in the backdrop.
IRCC issues more CEC invitations in second Express Entry draw of the week
A view of Lake Minnekawa somewhere in the Canadian wilderness.
Link copied to clipboard