Canada COVID travel changes signal busy season ahead

It’s now a little easier for many families to travel during the pandemic.

New travel rules are in effect across Canada as of April 25. One travel agent predicts the changes are going to lead to a lot of bookings in the months ahead, with a focus on family-friendly hot spots.

Travel agent Allison Wallace with Flight Centre says all the testing rules for the last two years have put a lot of people off from wanting to go anywhere. But now, that’s changed.

“Having lost two seasons beyond domestic travel was a huge impact on the travel industry, so there’s no question that having things ease up for this summer will be very welcomed by the travel industry and will have a very big impact,” she said.

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As part of Monday’s changes, children under the age of 12 no longer need a pre-entry COVID-19 test to get into Canada if they’re travelling with a fully vaccinated adult.

“A lot of families have been on hold or on the fence about booking travel if it meant extra quarantine or extra restrictions but with children at that age no longer requiring the vaccination, it will certainly effect on bookings to places that are popular with families.”

Wallace thinks Europe will also be a popular choice. But she also says many people are fine to stay close to home.

“Summer is really a time when families are looking at … North America because it is the best time to be travelling within our own backyard, as well as the United States but certainly, Disneyland and Disney World would be top of the list. But farther destinations, like Europe or across Canada, are extremely popular at this time of year,” she explained.

In addition to testing changes for children, the follow travel changes are also now in effect for entry to Canada:

• Fully vaccinated travellers do not have to wear a mask in public spaces for 14 days after arrival
• Fully vaccinated travellers do not have to monitor or report any symptoms
• Fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine if another person in the same travel group shows signs or gets COVID
• Fully vaccinated travellers do not have to keep a list of close contacts or places they’ve visited

All travellers must still use the ArriveCan app within 72 hours of arriving in Canada. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people must still provide proof of a pre-entry test and follow Canada’s COVID-19 protocols.