Canada is to drop all remaining Covid-19 border restrictions from Saturday (1 October).
This means that visitors to the country will no longer have to provide proof of vaccination, undergo any pre or on-arrival testing, or be required to isolate or quarantine on arrival in Canada.
The Canadian government is also lifting its mandate requiring passengers to wear masks on flights and trains. While the ArriveCAN app and website, which have been used to upload health documents when entering Canada, is to become voluntary for travellers from 1 October.
Visitors will no longer have to monitor and report to authorities if they develop symptoms of Covid-19 on arrival in Canada.
Health minister Jean-Yves Duclos said in an announcement on Monday (26 September) that Canada is now in a “much better position” thanks to Covid vaccines and better treatment options. But he also stressed that the pandemic was “not over”.
Air Canada welcomed the Canadian government’s move to lift restrictions and said it would help to “facilitate” travel to the country.
Craig Landry, the airline’s chief operating officer, added: “Air Canada welcomes the removal of these restrictions, acknowledging that air travel is safe and that the measures were not justified by science.
“We believe it will greatly facilitate travel, help to continue stabilising the country's air transport sector and support Canada's economy. Customers and crew will still have the option to wear masks and we also encourage customers to monitor their own health to be sure they feel well and fit to travel.”