Exemptions To The Vaccine Requirement
Vaccination is required for travel within and out of Canada. A valid COVID-19 molecular test will only be accepted for one of the following limited exceptions:
Passengers from small or remote communities will still be able to obtain essential services for their medical, health or social well-being, and return safely to their homes.
In addition, a number of provincial human rights commissions have taken the position that objection to vaccination for personal reasons is not a protected ground under their respective Code and does not need to be accommodated.
Applications for sincere religious beliefs may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Your request to your airline or railway must clearly demonstrate your sincere religious belief, how it prevents you from being vaccinated, and be signed by a Commissioner of Oaths.
You must submit your form 3 weeks prior to departure, and in line with the airline or railway companys exemption approval process.
If youre traveling with multiple airlines, youll need to contact each airline.
If you receive approval for a temporary exemption, youll also need to present a valid COVID-19 test before boarding.
Most travellers who qualify for an exemption will also need to have a valid COVID-19 molecular test, taken no more than 72 hours before boarding a flight or train.
False claims are an offence under the Criminal Code and false declaration could be subject to Transport Canada fines.
Can Children Travel Abroad If They Havent Been Vaccinated
Dozens of countries have now reopened to U.S. tourists, and some of those countries are only welcoming or waiving testing and quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers.
At this time, travelers from the U.S., EU and Schengen area are now permitted to enter Greece, providing youre either vaccinated or can show proof of a negative COVID-19 test .
Italy is also open to travelers again with similar requirements, as is Croatia. As the summer progresses, and more European countries open their borders, you can expect to see other vaccination and negative COVID-19 test requirements. In brief: It will be quicker and easier to bring vaccinated teens and tweens across borders, but younger kids should still be able to travel with you as long they test negative for COVID-19.
In other cases, being able to show proof of vaccination may be your only way in. Iceland, for example, said it would accept fully vaccinated travelers. These travelers would not be required to quarantine upon arrival.
Related: Can you skip quarantine if youve been vaccinated?
We can also look at the cruise industry for an idea about how destinations and travel providers might accommodate families who are traveling with unvaccinated children.
At this time, there is no vaccine requirement to travel back to the United States. U.S. airlines oppose travel vaccine requirements but asked the Biden administration to exempt vaccinated travelers from international testing requirements.
How Do I Know If I Am Considered Fully Vaccinated
Australia considers you to be fully vaccinated if you have completed a course, including a mixed dose, of a Therapeutic Goods Administration approved or recognised vaccine. Current vaccines and dosages accepted for the purposes of travel are:
Two doses at least 14 days apart of:
· AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
· Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV .
Or one dose of:
· Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine.
Seven days must have passed since the final dose of vaccine in a course of immunisation for you to be considered fully vaccinated. Mixed doses count towards being fully vaccinated as long as all vaccines are approved or recognised by the TGA.
If you have not been vaccinated with the above doses or schedule, you do not meet Australias definition of fully vaccinated. This includes instances where the dosing schedule or vaccine eligibility differs in your country of origin.
If you do not meet Australias definition of fully vaccinated, current border restrictions apply to you and you must continue to follow the current border processes when leaving Australia or coming to Australia. This includes seeking an exemption to travel, travelling within international passenger caps and undertaking mandatory 14 days managed quarantine.
The TGAis evaluating other COVID-19 vaccines that may be recognised for the purposes of inbound travel to Australia in future. Information on the latest approved and recognised vaccines is available on the TGA website.
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Do I Need A Booster Jab To Go Abroad
Whether or not you need a booster jab to travel depends on the destination.
Some countries have already introduced an expiry date on vaccine validity, which can be extended by getting an additional dose of an accepted vaccine. In France, from December 15, over 65s will need to show theyve had a booster jab to extend their vaccine validity and access the countrys pass sanitaire.
The document, shown digitally via the TousAntiCovid app, is required to for access to restaurants and museums, and for long distance rail travel in the country.
Over-12s without a valid vaccination status will need to show proof of a Covid test taken in the past 72 or 48 hours , instead. Proof of recent recovery from Covid is also accepted.
Your destination determines your booster requirements
For Austria, vaccine validity expires 360 days after your second dose but from December 6 this will change to 270 days. Having a booster jab at least 120 days after your second dose will extend your vaccine validity to 270 days after the booster date. Evidence of recovery from an infection within the past 180 days is also accepted. Without a valid vaccination or recovery status, youll need to take a PCR test before travel and quarantine for ten days on arrival. You can leave quarantine after five days with a new negative PCR test result. Please note that Austria is currently in a nationwide lockdown and hotels are closed to tourists.
If You Cannot Be Vaccinated For Medical Reasons
If you cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, you will need to provide proof that you cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons to airline staff. You should also check any requirements, particularly quarantine requirements, in the state or territory to which you are travelling. Proof that you cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons is separate to a Commissioners travel exemption.
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Us International Travel Restrictions
The international travel restrictions for non-U.S. citizens entering the country required them to be fully vaccinated, and their list of what vaccines are required for international travel include all the main ones around the world. While citizens dont need one of the vaccines required for international travel, the CDC recommends waiting until youre fully vaccinated to travel. However, regardless of vaccination status, all travelers entering the U.S. must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within a day of travel. Without the test, you wont be allowed to board your plane for the U.S.
What Evidence Must Someone Provide To Show They Cannot Be Vaccinated For Medical Reasons
Individuals who have a medical contraindication reported for all COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia can use either their COVID-19 digital certificate or immunisation history statement as proof.
If a temporary medical contraindication has been recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register, the COVID-19 digital certificate will display a valid to date.
After this time, people will need to either check with their doctor to see if they can now get a COVID-19 vaccine, or ask their doctor to update their status on the AIR if their medical contraindication is still valid.
People who have received non TGA approved or recognised vaccines should not be certified in this category and cannot be treated as vaccinated for the purposes of their travel.
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Travel With Unvaccinated Children
Unvaccinated children under 12 years and 4 months of age dont require a COVID-19 test to travel within or depart Canada. International destinations may have different requirements.
If your child has just turned 12, there is a 4-month exemption period following their 12th birthday in which they wont be required to be vaccinated or tested. This gives children the time to receive both shots of the COVID-19 vaccine.
For example, if your child’s 12th birthday is in January, the child can travel in January through April without providing proof of vaccination or a test result. In May, the child would be required to provide proof of vaccination.
What Else Do I Need To Enter A Foreign Country
Most countries require a Passenger Locator Form or something equivalent which has to be filled in before arrival.
These can often be found on the government’s official websites, and are free to fill in.
You may also need travel insurance – here is how to get the best protection against Covid changes.
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If You Have Problems With Your Proof
If the name or date of birth on your Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination doesnt match the information on your passport , you should:
- use the name on your passport for travel bookings
- such as for plane tickets and hotels
If you need to travel before you update the information on your proof of vaccination, you may have problems such as delays at border crossings.
Who Is Considered An Immediate Family Member Of An Australian Citizen Or Permanent Resident
Immediate family members of Australians may also be able to enter Australia outside of passenger caps to states and territories with modified or no quarantine requirements, subject to being fully vaccinated and first obtaining a travel exemption.
For the purpose of of assessing exemptions to Australias travel restrictions, immediate family is:
· a spouse
· a parent of an adult Australian citizen or permanent resident .
Before a parent or an immediate family member who is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident can travel to Australia, they need to have their relationship confirmed by submitting a travel exemption request through the Department of Home Affairs Travel Exemption Portal.
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I’ve Had The Astrazeneca Vaccine Can I Travel
On Thursday 1 July the Telegraph reported that up to five million Britons could be turned away at EU border crossings because a version of the AstraZeneca vaccine, produced in India, had not yet been approved in Europe even if they have been double jabbed. You can check the batch number on your NHS vaccine card and on the Covid travel pass via the NHS app the numbers to look out for are 4120Z001, 4120Z002 and 4120Z003. Do note, though, that the vast majority of people who have had the AstraZeneca vaccine will not be affected by this, and also that most European countries will now accept these doses. It is therefore best to check the entry requirements of the European country you are planning to visit well ahead of your travel date to allow enough time to take any necessary tests, and to keep an eye on our rapidly updated coronavirus articles about key destinations.
Using Your Canadian Covid
Changing travel requirements to address COVID-19 Omicron variant of concern
Effective : Temporary enhanced requirements ending for travellers who have been in Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Effective : All Canadians returning from short trips must take a molecular pre-entry test. The test must be taken outside of Canada.
Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada, regardless of your vaccination status. Omicron travel health notice
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What’s The Latest Vaccine Update In The Uk
The vaccines are proving largely effective against most strains, and official data released in late April confirmed that just one jab cuts Covid transmission by up to half. The single-dose Janssen vaccine was approved for use in late May. As of November, more than 80 per cent of the UK population aged over 12 has had two doses of a Covid vaccine. The UK is currently pressing forward with a booster vaccine plan. However, scientists are yet to confirm how effective the UK’s current vaccines are against the newly discovered Omicron variant.
On Thursday 2 December 2021, Pfizers’s chief executive Dr Albert Bourla said that it is likely people will need to have annual Covid vaccinations for the years to come, in order to maintain a very high level of protection’. The UK has signed for an extra 114 million doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to use in 2022 and 2023.
On Sunday 12 December Boris Johnson addressed the nation in a TV statement stating, there is a tidal wave of Omicron coming. He declared an Omicron emergency after the UK’s Covid alert level was raised, and informed of the new target set to offer boosters to all adults over the age of 18 in England by the end of December 2021. This plan will begin from Wednesday 15 December 2021.
Designed To Protect Privacy And Share Covid
The information on the proof of vaccination is limited to
- the holders full name and date of birth
- a neutral, factual account of the holders COVID-19 vaccination history, including
- the number of doses
- the vaccine type, product name and lot number
- the dates they got their vaccinations
- a QR code that includes the vaccination history and may include additional information on the COVID-19 vaccines received
The only medical information shown is a persons COVID-19 vaccination history. The proof, including the QR code, does not contain any additional medical or identity information.
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Where Can I Go On Holiday Covid Travel Requirements Explained
Know before you go
f one of your New Years resolutions for 2022 is to finally go on that long-postponed and well-deserved holiday, it would be wise to get yourself clued up on the travel requirements in place for your chosen destination.
Luckily, it seems like things may be looking up for the travel industry. Early January has already welcomed the relaxing of some border restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the Omicron variant. The UKs pre-departure test requirement for returning travellers has been scrapped, and only lateral flow tests instead of PCR are now required on arrival. France is still preventing most Brits from visiting, but Germany has dropped the two-week quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travellers from the UK.
As things stand, travel to the vast majority of countries is still possible and pain-free. Travellers from the UK are still banned in some countries: heres the full list of them.
However, the situation is still volatile and any plans should still leave room for possible disruption. Anyone who has travelled during the pandemic will know that Covid tests could cause delays, flights may be cancelled due to staff illness, and new variants could mean the return of the red list and quarantine hotels. Make sure youve swotted up on insurance and refund policies before you hit that confirm booking button.
Below is a run-through of the most popular holiday destinations and answers to your most burning questions.
A Completed Locator Form
Some destinations, including the United Kingdom and certain European Union countries, require travelers to complete a digital passenger locator form before entering the country , to help with contact tracing. In addition to your travel information, vaccination status and contact information, the form may ask for your address in the country, and, in the U.K, confirmation of scheduled coronavirus tests that you need to take after arrival. With its locator form, Croatia asks for proof of paid accommodation, and if youre traveling to Canada, you will need to download and submit information using the ArriveCan mobile app within 72 hours before your arrival.
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What Else Do You Have To Do With It
It is important to read all requirements before traveling to a foreign country, Dengler said, adding that he will be traveling next month to St. Lucia, where visitors are asked to carry their physical vaccination cards. Some also ask you to upload a copy of your vaccination card to a portal before departing.
Indeed, many countries and airlines have an online verification process in place and require travelers to share their proof of vaccination digitally ahead of their arrival. But with the evolving pandemic situation and countries changing policies, Dengler believes its best to be over-prepared.
When traveling internationally, there is still a great chance you are going to have to produce at least one negative COVID-19 test, and that includes vaccinated travelers, he explained. Since the COVID-19 test is stressful enough for those who are traveling, I recommend being over-prepared for the proof of vaccination part. Use any digital certificates available, take a picture of your vaccination card on your phone, and bring the physical copy with you.
Always research the requirements in your destination before leaving home.
– Molly Fergus, vice president and general manager of TripSavvy
Cheryl Nelson, a travel preparedness expert and founder of Prepare With Cher, recommends keeping your card in a sleeve to protect it.
Covid Vaccine And Test Requirements For Us Entry
Air Travel to the United States
Presidential Proclamation 10294 of October 25, 2021, Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic, effective November 8, 2021, revoked the four prior geographic travel ban restrictions that had limited entry from 33 specific countries, and replaced them with a global requirement that “noncitizens who are nonimmigrants” traveling to the United States by air from any part of the world establish that they are fully vaccinated, with some limited exceptions. The proclamation relies on INA 212/8 USC 1182 as the statutory authority for the restrictions. That statute provides: “Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.”
A separate CDC order also requires all air travelers to show results of a negative coronavirus test taken one day preceding their flight’s departure from a foreign country traveling to the United States .
Entry to the United States through Land or Ferry Ports of Entry
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