Canada Changes Border Crossing Rules for Children
The Canadian Government recently announced some changes to its COVID-19-related border crossing rules for children enting the country.
In a press conference, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced that they are adjusting the COVID vaccination rules for children between the ages of 5 and 11 who are traveling into Canada.
Effective immediately, children who are unvaccinated, or partially vaccinated, who are traveling with a fully vaccinated parent or guardian no longer need to complete a COVID-19 test prior to entering Canada. Children over the age of 12 are still required to complete a COVID-19 test before entering Canada, while children under 5 do not need to be vaccinated or take a test.
The Health Agency also adjusted the rules for fully vaccinated adults traveling as well. Adults entering Canada will no longer have to provide a quarantine plan to officers from the Canadian Border Services Agency when they arrive at the border, and they no longer will be required to wear a mask in public or maintain a list of close contacts and the locations they visit while in the country.
This marks a significant change for Canada and a sharp contrast to this time last year during a high point in the COVID-19 Pandemic when virtually all foreign travelers were banned from entering the country.
As a frequent traveler to Canada, these changes make me happy for my son who often travels to Canada with me. We may just take a drive up to Niagara Falls this weekend just to get away for a few hours.
If you're interested in traveling to Canada, but not sure if you can, you can check your eligibility status here on Canada's COVID-19 Travel website.