Canada’s Guidelines for American Visitors

EFFECTIVE AUGUST 9, 2021

Full vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents of the United States may enter Canada from the U.S. for discretionary travel if they meet specific criteria.

CRITERIA

Travellers 12 years of age and older must ensure the following mandatory requirements are met prior to travelling to Canada:

  • Have received a full series of a vaccine authorized by the Government of Canada (listed below),  at least 14 days prior to the day you enter Canada
  • Provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal) within 72 hours of entry into Canada. Click here to enroll
  • Have a copy (paper or electronic proof) of your negative COVID-19 molecular test (accepted tests listed below). The pre-entry test must be taken in the U.S. within 72 hours of your entry into
  • Be asymptomatic upon arrival

Additionally, upon your arrival at the border, fully vaccinated travellers may be randomly selected to complete a  Day 1 COVID-19 molecular test.

WHICH VACCINES ARE AUTHORIZED FOR ENTRY INTO CANADA?

  • Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2)
  • Moderna (mRNA-1273)
  • AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria, AZD1222)
  • Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S)

 

CHILDREN

Unvaccinated children less than 12 years of age, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently residing in the U.S. are permitted to enter Canada providing they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, or guardian that meet the above criteria. Children under 12 years of age must meet all other required criteria and testing requirements. Children 5 years of age and older, regardless of citizenship, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Canada.

HOW TO GET TESTED FOR COVID-19

Contact your healthcare provider, *pharmacy, or visit your state, or territorial health department’s website to find the latest local information on viral testing. The type of COVID-19 tests offered may differ by location so ensure they offer one of the accepted tests.

*Some pharmacies offer free testing.

ACCEPTED TESTS

These tests are considered acceptable molecular tests:

  • PCR - Polymerase chain reaction
  • RT-PCR – reverse transcription real time PCR
  • Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
  • Nucleic acid test (NAT) or Nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs)
  • Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)
  • Isothermal amplification
  • Droplet digital PCR or digital droplet PCR (ddPCR)
  • Transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)
  • RNA (Ribonucleic acid)
  • Ct (cycle threshold)
  • CRISPR
  • Sequencing
  • Next generational sequencing (NGS) or whole genome sequencing (WGS)
  • Oxford Nanopore sequencing (LamPORE)
  • Detection of the N gene
  • Detection of Orf1a/b
  • Detection of the S gene
  • Detection of the E gene
  • Detection of the RdRp gene

 

MORE INFORMATION

Additional information is available at Health Canada. Additional resources can be located Here.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

  • Get your pre-entry COVID-19 test (listed below)
  • Use ArriveCAN to submit required information

ARRIVING IN CANADA

Have the following items with you:

  • ArriveCAN receipt
  • Proof of vaccination (keep with you for 14 days after your arrival)
  • Pre-entry test results
  • Other travel documents (passport )

Stay Informed, Stay Connected, Stay Safe!

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP):

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. American travelers are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency. Click here to enroll

NEED ASSISTANCE?

  • State Department –Consular Affairs: 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444