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Guide to Crossing the US Canada Border

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Covid Checklist for Entering Canada

As of October 1, 2022, all Canadian COVID-19 border requirements have been lifted. This applies to all travelers entering Canada whether by land, air or sea. This means:

  • You no longer need to be vaccinated to enter Canada. You do not need to prove your vaccination status.
  • Using ArriveCAN is now optional. You can use it if you wish, but otherwise you can present your required documentation at the border.
  • All testing and quarantine requirements have been lifted.
  • Be sure to read our information on The Border Inspection Experience and Clearing Customs before heading to the border.

The following information below no longer applies but we are retaining it for archival purposes.

The rules for entering Canada are different depending on whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated. Below are checklists for both situations. Planning in advance to ensure you meet all requirements is crucial. In addition, some provinces and territories have their own entry restrictions in place so be sure to review the links for official government Covid-19 websites which spell these out. Planning in advance to ensure you meet all requirements is crucial.

Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test result to enter Canada by air, land or water. You must still follow all the other steps we list below such as entering your information into ArriveCan. In addition, you may still be selected for a random Covid-19 test when you arrive in Canada.

Masks are still required on airplanes and in airports. They are encouraged on all other forms of transportation.

Covid Checklist for Vaccinated Foreign Travelers Entering Canada

Vaccinated Americans and other international travelers can now enter Canada for any reason. This checklist will make it easier for you to navigate the Covid-19 Rules.

  • You must be fully vaccinated at least 15 days before arrival in Canada.
  • You must enter all your information into the ArriveCAN app or website within 72 hours of your arrival at the border. Travellers who arrive without completing their ArriveCAN submission may have to test on arrival and quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status. Travellers taking a cruise or a plane must submit their information in ArriveCAN within 72 hours before boarding.
  • Enter your proof of vaccination into ArriveCan. When asked to upload your proof of vaccination, click the button labelled ‘Add file/photo’ and select the PDF file or photo you saved in Step 2 or use the camera to take a picture of your proof
  • If proofs of vaccination for your first and second dose are in separate files or photos, click the on Add file/photo button again to upload the second proof
  • Bring your Covid-19 vaccination card with you. You must be able to show proof of your vaccination.
  • When you reach the border be prepared to show:
    • All of the normal border crossing documentation
    • Your ArriveCAN receipt. This can be accessed via the mobile app, a screenshot or print out of their receipt, or their emailed receipt.
    • Proof of Vaccination
    • Pre-arrival molecular test results
  • You must not have any symptoms of Covid-19 when you reach the border. If you do, you will be required to quarantine.
  • Children under the age of 12 are exempt from quarantine or needing a negative COVID test to enter Canada – regardless of their vaccination status. However, they must be accompanied by parents, step-parents, guardians or tutors that are fully vaccinated. Pre-entry tests are still required for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers 12 and older

Covid Checklist For Entering Canada If You Are NOT Vaccinated

All unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign travelers are prohibited from entering Canada – unless you qualify for a very limited set of exceptions to this rule. If you are allowed to enter the country under one of these limited exemptions you will need to:

  • Take a Pre-Arrival molecular Covid test within 72 hours before reaching the border. You must test negative for Covid and need to bring those results with you. All persons aged 5 or older must take this test. You do not need the pre-arrival PCR test if you have proof of a previous positive test result taken between 15 and 180 days ago. To prove a previous COVID-19 infection, the Government of Canada will continue to only accept molecular test results, taken at least 10 calendar days and no more than 180 calendar days before entering Canada.
  • You must enter all your information into the ArriveCAN app or website within 72 hours of your arrival at the border. Travelers who arrive without completing their ArriveCAN submission may have to test on arrival and quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status. Travelers taking a cruise or a plane must submit their information in ArriveCAN within 72 hours before boarding.
  • Enter your quarantine plan into ArriveCAN and bring a written copy with you to the border.
  • When you reach the border be prepared to show:
    • All of the normal border crossing documentation
    • Your ArriveCAN receipt
    • Proof of Vaccination
    • Pre-arrival molecular test results
  • Take another molecular test at the border or receive a home test kit which you will complete at your quarantine location.
  • Travel to your quarantine location and begin the 14-day isolation period.
  • On day 8 of your quarantine, complete another Covid test and submit the results.
  • On day 14 you may leave quarantine and continue your travel.

Covid Checklist for Canadians Returning to Canada

Canadians returning to Canada must perform the following steps:

  • Use the ArriveCAN app or website within 72 hours of your arrival at the border. If you don’t use ArriveCan you may not be eligible to enter as fully vaccinated traveller, you may face additional delays at the border for public health questioning, and you can be fined.
  • Enter your proof of vaccination into ArriveCan. When asked to upload your proof of vaccination, click the button labelled ‘Add file/photo’ and select the PDF file or photo you saved in Step 2 or use the camera to take a picture of your proof
  • If proofs of vaccination for your first and second dose are in separate files or photos, click the on Add file/photo button again to upload the second proof
  • Enter your quarantine plan into ArriveCan and bring a written copy with you to the border. You will need to quarantine if you show Covid-19 symptoms or if your Covid test or vaccination record is rejected.
  • You must be fully vaccinated at least 15 days before arrival in Canada.
  • Bring your Covid-19 vaccination card with you. You must be able to show proof of your vaccination.
  • When you reach the border be prepared to show:
    • All of the normal border crossing documentation
    • Your ArriveCAN receipt. This can be accessed via the mobile app, a screenshot or print out of their receipt, or their emailed receipt.
    • Proof of Vaccination
    • Pre-arrival molecular test results
  • You must not have any symptoms of Covid-19 when you reach the border. If you do, you will be required to quarantine.
  • Children under 12 years old, travelling with fully vaccinated adults, are exempt from quarantine, without any prescribed conditions limiting their activities. This means, for example, they no longer need to wait 14 days before attending school, camp or daycare.

What to Expect When You Reach the Border

  • Be prepared to take an Covid test on the spot if asked.
  • Be prepared for other types of Covid-19 travel restrictions once you are within Canada. Provinces have their own rules such as mask requirements and additional travel forms. You must check the provincial websites we list to determine what other rules you must follow.
  • CBSA officials are on the lookout for falsified or fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination and test results. Customs agents are specialized in the detection of all types of false records and have a well-developed global intelligence network that helps to identify suspected fraud. Providing false information or documents to the government can come with hefty penalties. The Covid-19 Quarantine Act says someone caught submitting false information or documents could be fined up to $750,000, six months in jail, or both. People may also be prosecuted criminally for forgery. Foreign nationals who provide false information may also be denied entry and/or banned from returning to Canada. Further, a traveler who willfully or recklessly ignores these rules can be liable for a fine of up to $1,000,000 or imprisonment of up to 3 years or both.