[2021] The ultimate guide to travel outside of canada
With travel restrictions and entry requirements that change regularly, international travel has been put on hold for most of us. However, as of May 2021 things are changing! Many European countries and other international destinations have started to welcome Canadian travelers again. We know how difficult it can be to stay up to date on the travel requirements (testing, vaccination, quarantine…) and that this can cause a lot of stress before your departure.
To help you prepare for your next trip, Summit Travel Health offers you the “Ultimate Guide to Travelling Outside of Canada.” You will find a lot of useful information, along with a Covid travel checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything!
COVID Travel Checklist
Travelling outside of Canada: where to go
Several countries have managed to control the spread of COVID-19 and are now ready to welcome back travelers. You can consult the list of countries that have opened their borders to Canadian travellers below. Please note that Canadian authorities still do not recommend non-essential travel.
COVID-19 has changed the way we travel. To stop the spread of the virus, many countries have imposed strict rules on travelers. Most of them require a negative PCR or Rapid Antigen Test to be performed within a few days of your departure. This list outlines the type of COVID test required to enter each country.
Last update: 2021/06/16
What is a PCR Test?
A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test is performed to identify if the patient is currently infected by the virus. It is looking for genetic material from the virus. PCR tests are considered the “gold standard” of COVID tests, and are most widely accepted for traveller entry requirements.
To take a sample for the PCR test, a cotton swab is inserted deep into the nasal cavity (nose).
While the sample can be collected in a clinic, the PCR test must be completed in a lab. Since the test is completed in a medical laboratory, it will take between 24 and 48 hours to obtain the result.
PCR and Rapid Antigen are the most common types of COVID-19 tests in Canada. However, there are multiple types of COVID-19 tests are in use around the world to detect the virus, such as NAATs, LT-LAMP, TMA, and mPOCT test. Prior to your departure, be sure to check with the airline and your destination’s entry requirements to understand which type will be accepted.
What is a Rapid Antigen Test?
A Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is performed to quickly identify if a person is infected with COVID-19. It is looking for the presence of viral proteins.
As with the PCR test, a rapid test is also performed by swabbing the nose. However, the analysis technique is simpler, which allows for detection of the virus without the sample needing to be sent to a lab. The antigen test is a manual, rapid-reading test so it can be completed at a clinic. The result from a rapid COVID test is usually available within 30 minutes.
If you need to perform a Rapid Antigenic Test in Montreal, book an appointment here.
Travelling outside of Canada: Covid test requirements by country
Just as the pandemic will evolve, this list will evolve too! Our team is regularly updating this list to give you useful tips and recommendations for your next trip outside of Canada. The following countries open for Canadian citizens, and may be considered for your next vacation.
As entry requirements for travellers can change quickly, please check the IATA website or with the Canadian embassy/consulate for your destination of choice (Canadian foreign office directory) for the most up-to-date information.
North America
| DESTINATION | PCR TEST | ANTIGEN TEST | SOURCES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | ❌ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Costa Rica |
| El Salvador | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for El Salvador |
| United States | ✅ | ✅ | COVID test requirement for the United States |
| Guatemala | ✅ | ✅ | COVID test requirement for Guatemala |
| Honduras | ✅ | ✅ | COVID test requirement for Honduras |
| Mexico | ❌ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Mexico |
| Nicaragua | ✅ | ✅ | COVID test requirement for Nicaragua |
| Panama | ✅ | ✅ | COVID test requirement for Panama |
South America
| DESTINATION | PCR TEST | ANTIGEN TEST | SOURCES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolivia | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Bolivia |
| Brazil | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Brazil |
| Colombia | ❌ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Colombia |
| Chile | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Chile |
| Ecuador | ✅ | ✅ | COVID test requirement for Ecuador |
| Paraguay | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Paraguay |
| Peru | ✅ | ✅ | COVID test requirement for Peru |
Caribbean
Asia
| DESTINATION | PCR TEST | ANTIGEN TEST | SOURCES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Afghanistan |
| Armenia | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Armenia |
| Bangladesh | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Bangladesh |
| United Arab Emirates | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for United Arab Emirates |
| Georgia | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Georgia |
| Iran | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Iran |
| Jordan | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Jordan |
| Lebanon | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Lebanon |
| Maldives | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Maldives |
| Mongolia | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Mongolia |
| Sri Lanka | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Sri Lanka |
| Turkey | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Turkey |
| Yemen | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Yemen |
Africa
| DESTINATION | PCR TEST | ANTIGEN TEST | SOURCES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Egypt |
| Ethiopia | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Ethiopia |
| Ghana | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Ghana |
| Kenya | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Kenya |
| Morocco | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Morocco |
| Uganda | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Uganda |
| Rwanda | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Rwanda |
| Seychelles | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Seychelles |
| South Africa | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for South Africa |
| Tanzania | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Tanzania |
| Tunisia | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Tunisia |
| Zambia | ✅ | ❌ | COVID test requirement for Zambia |
Europe
Travelling outside of Canada: Before your departure
- Check the entry, testing and/or quarantine requirements that are applicable for your travel destination. It is best to check at booking as well as before your departure, as requirements can change quickly. Always refer to the destination’s government, foreign office, or official tourism board as the authority for requirements.
- Subscribe to travel advisory email alerts for your destination and the countries through which you will be transiting.
- Sign up for Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad. It is a free service that allows the Government of Canada to notify you in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.
- Make an appointment at a travel clinic to determine what vaccinations and medications you may need to stay safe during your trip. Keep your vaccination certificate in your carry-on luggage in case customs asks you to present it upon entry into the country.
- If you need a negative COVID-19 test to enter a country, you can use a private clinic or lab. Public hospitals may not be able to provide the certification or documentation you need.
- Purchase travel insurance with the appropriate level of coverage and check your cancellation rights. Most travel insurance does not apply during a pandemic, especially when the Canadian government has issued warnings not to visit specific regions or countries. Fortunately, there are now a few insurance options that include COVID-19 coverage. Be sure to check that it is included in the package you select.
- Review the health and safety requirements that have been outlined by your destination’s local authorities. Note: Local and international travel restrictions may change before or during your stay.
During your trip
- Remain vigilant when it comes to hand hygiene, keeping distance, and wearing a mask, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
- Continue to stay informed about updates to travel advisories, changes to lockdowns or regulations in your destination, etc.
- Be prepared to comply with changing restrictions to manage local outbreaks of COVID-19 (border closures, travel restrictions, gathering limits, etc.)
- Plan for possible delays. Make sure you have sufficient financial resources and practical arrangements for extended absences.
- Keep up to date on any changes in regulations for returning to Canada. These guidelines may change before you return.
Return to Canada
As of now, all travellers should have an appropriate 14-day quarantine plan in place prior to returning to Canada. This quarantine is in place to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Please note that customs officials may ask you about your quarantine plan to confirm that it meets the requirements. Quarantine requirements are expected to change this summer for fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Always follow the quarantine requirements as defined by the Canadian federal and provincial governments.
Pre-entry testing requirements
All travelers 5 years of age or older, regardless of nationality, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test. Only PCR tests are considered valid and authorized for Canadian entry requirements. The PCR test must be taken within 72 hours of your flight to Canada
All travellers must enter their information on the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours of arrival in Canada. You can find more information on how to use the ArriveCAN app on the government website. In the ArriveCAN app, you will input your pre-departure COVID test results, quarantine plan, 14-day travel history, and a COVID self assessment.
Upon landing in Canada, you will be required to take a COVID test before leaving the airport. You will also receive a COVID-19 collection kit for your self-administered test on day 8 of your mandatory quarantine.
After the first test at the airport, you will need to go directly to the government-approved hotel you booked for 3 nights prior to your arrival in Canada. You will stay at the approved hotel while awaiting the results of your arrival test. With a negative test result, you can continue the remainder of your quarantine at your residence. You will continue your quarantine for the full 14 days, even if you have a negative test result from the test on day 8. Throughout your quarantine, complete daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessments on the ArriveCAN app until the completion of your quarantine period or until you report symptoms
There are no exceptions for vaccinated travelers at this time.
Government of Canada officials will call you to ensure that you’re complying with your mandatory quarantine or isolation. You must answer calls from 1-888-336-7735 and answer all questions truthfully to demonstrate your compliance with the law. You may also receive a visit from a designated screening officer to confirm your compliance with the quarantine or isolation order.
For more information on the requirements for your arrival in Canada, please visit the Canadian government website.