Last Updated on October 5, 2022 by tripcentral

Understanding the entry requirements for an upcoming trip is immensely more complicated than the pre-COVID time. As of Oct 1, 2022, all Canadians vaccinated or unvaccinated, no longer need to submit a negative COVID-19 test upon entering Canada and will not be randomly selected to test. No quarantine will be required.

No Restrictions at All

Of course, there are many places where community spread is not evident, and because Canada is coping with the pandemic relatively well, there are no arrival restrictions for Canadians at all. Normally we do not disclose the absence of a requirement, but we are finding it necessary today. We’ve begun with popular destinations that Canadian tourists visit, and we will disclose that there are currently no special entry requirements due to COVID-19.

Completion of a “Travel Authorization” prior to Departure

Many countries require you to go online and complete a series of Health Questions in advance of travel. Often this includes some local contact information as well as home. Countries that have this require evidence of completion before boarding your flight – either printed or for display on your phone.

Downloading and Installing a Contact Tracing App

Some countries are requiring the download and installation of a mobile app for visitors.

Negative PCR or Antigen Coronavirus Test

This involves contacting your local health authority or doctor to obtain proof of a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction test. This involves the swab in the nose and testing in a lab. These test results typically come back in 48 hours, but it will be dependent on what is available to you locally. The requirement is as tight as 72 hours and up to 5 days in advance of arrival in your destination. You will be required to show proof of your negative test at check-in for your flight. Antigen test appointments are easily attained and results are provided within minutes of the test completion.

Testing on Arrival

Some countries are providing a coronavirus test on arrival, and some are selecting passengers for random testing. The test may follow with a quarantine or self-isolation for a period until a negative result has been obtained. The quarantine can vary from none to confinement in a hotel, a hotel room, or a government quarantine centre. Tourist destinations that are requiring testing on arrival tend to have a more friendly quarantine recognizing the purpose of the trip.

Mandatory Health Insurance

Since most private medical coverage does not cover the costs associated with COVID-19 isolation, treatment, or return to Canada, some countries are requiring visitors to purchase Government-issued medical coverage that WILL cover these costs. In a way, this is reassuring to visitors. Knowing you would not be faced with these costs often removes a barrier to travelling outside Canada.

Requirements will Change

The one thing we have learned since late February 2020 is that policies can change quickly. You may book now for a later departure date, and a new requirement may come into force. We will contact you when we learn of new requirements that may affect your decision to travel, cancel, or postpone your trip. We are reviewing all our destinations weekly in addition to updating immediately upon notification of new requirements.

Many countries in Europe are open to Canadians without arrival restrictions.

We feel strongly that one of the core services we at tripcentral.ca provide is disclosing the various entry requirements for your trip, and contacting you if they change. Explore our site and you will notice the difference with our disclosures, specifically written for Canadians.