The Government of Canada announced that, as of 00:01 EDT on June 20, vaccination will no longer be a requirement to
board a plane or train in Canada. In addition, employers in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine sectors
will no longer be required to have mandatory vaccination policies in place for employees. Given the unique nature of
cruise ships, including the fact that passengers are in close contact with each other for extended periods of time,
and Canada's border requirements, vaccination against COVID-19 is still required for passengers and crew on
cruise ships operating in Canadian waters.
Crown corporations and separate agencies will also be asked to suspend vaccine requirements. Furthermore, the
Government of Canada is no longer moving forward with proposed regulations under Part II (Occupational Health and
Safety) of the Canada Labour Code to make vaccination mandatory in all federally regulated workplaces.
The Government of Canada's decision to suspend the mandatory vaccination requirement for the domestic
transportation sector was informed by key indicators, including the evolution of the virus; the epidemiologic
situation and modelling (stabilization of infection and hospitalizations across the country); vaccine science; and
high levels of vaccination in Canada against COVID-19.
While the suspension of vaccine mandates reflects an improved public health situation in Canada, the COVID-19 virus
continues to evolve and circulate in Canada and globally. Given this context, and because vaccination rates and virus
control in other countries varies significantly, current vaccination requirements at the border will remain in
effect. This will reduce the potential impact of international travel on our health care system and serve as added
protection against any future variant.
The Government of Canada will continue to evaluate measures and will not hesitate to make adjustments based on the
latest public health advice and science to keep Canadians and the transportation system safe and secure.
Vaccination continues to be one of the most effective tools to protect Canadians, including younger Canadians, our
healthcare system and our economy. Everyone in Canada needs to keep up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines,
including booster doses to get ready for the fall. The Government of Canada will continue to work with provinces and
territories to help even more Canadians get the shots they are eligible for.
Requirement for vaccinations suspended for domestic and outbound travel
As of June 20, 2022, at 00:01 EDT, vaccination will no longer be a requirement to board a plane or train in Canada.
This change does not affect border measures that require all travellers entering Canada to continue following entry
requirements, including vaccination. Other public health measures, such as wearing a mask, continue to apply and will
be enforced throughout a traveller's journey on a plane or train.
Cruise Ship Travel Given the unique nature of cruise ships, including the fact that passengers are in close contact
with each other for extended periods of time, and Canada's border requirements, vaccination against COVID-19 is
still required for passengers and crew on cruise ships operating in Canadian waters. Adherence to
strict public health requirements on cruise ships will still be required.
Federally regulated transportation sector workers
As of June 20, 2022, at 00:01 EDT, employers in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine sectors will no longer
be required to have mandatory vaccination policies in place for employees. Employers will be responsible for
establishing return-to-work practices.
Masking Requirements
Travellers on federally regulated planes and trains continue to be required to wear a mask throughout their journey
except for brief periods (e.g., eating or drinking). Passengers on cruise ships will be expected to follow the
masking requirements and other hygiene measures as directed by the ship's crew, regardless of whether they are
foreign or domestic.
Entry requirements remain for travel to Canada from abroad
Vaccine requirements for entry into Canada by foreign nationals remain unchanged at this time. Foreign nationals who
are not fully vaccinated continue to be prohibited entry into Canada.
Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents returning from international destinations who do not qualify for
the fully vaccinated traveller exemption continue to be required to provide a valid pre-entry test result, remain
subject to Day 1 and Day 8 molecular testing, and quarantine for 14 days.
In addition, all travellers entering Canada are required to input their mandatory information in ArriveCAN within 72
hours before their arrival in Canada. Travellers who arrive without completing their
ArriveCAN submission may be subject to Day 1, Day 8 molecular testing,
quarantine for 14 days, and to fines or other enforcement actions, regardless of their vaccination status.
Additional information Government's announcement can be found at the following links: