To limit the spread of COVID-19, travellers entering Canada must follow the rules set out by the emergency orders under the Quarantine Act.
No one should travel when sick. Commercial airline restrictions may also prevent you from boarding your plane if you’re sick. However, Canadians, persons with status under the Indian Act and permanent residents who have COVID-19 symptoms are allowed to return to Canada.
When entering Canada, you’ll be:
asked if you have a cough, fever or difficulty breathing
required to acknowledge that you must:
quarantine for 14 days if you don’t have symptoms or
isolate for 14 days if you have symptoms
asked if you have a suitable place to isolate or quarantine, where:
you’ll have access to basic necessities, including water, food, medication and heat during the winter months
you won’t have contact with people who:
are 65 years or older
have underlying medical conditions
have compromised immune systems
you won’t be in a group or community living arrangement
given instructions about the actions you must take under the emergency order and the penalties for non-compliance
need to be transferred to a designated quarantine facility, if no other suitable options are available
have no symptoms of COVID-19 and can continue domestic travel to your place of quarantine
The information border officials collect helps the Public Health Agency of Canada with its compliance and enforcement efforts. Providing false or misleading information is an offence under the Quarantine Act and can result in fines and potentially prison time.
ArriveCAN app
Use this mobile app to speed up your arrival process in Canada and spend less time with border and public health officers. Submit your information easily and securely using the app within 48 hours before arriving in Canada. The app helps you to:
provide mandatory information that’s required for entry into Canada
reduce your wait time and points of contact at the border
provide the Government of Canada with voluntary updates on your quarantine compliance and the development of any symptoms during the 14 days after arriving in Canada
Download the ArriveCAN app (iOS, Android or web format). Make sure you have the official version by downloading it here.
Border restrictions
If you’re a foreign national (not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada), you won’t be able to enter Canada if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
There are currently border restrictions for discretionary (optional) travel to Canada:
You don’t require an interpretive letter from the Public Health Agency of Canada in order to be exempted from an emergency order.
If you’ve requested an interpretive letter for a future travel exemption, this letter would be taken into account. However, it wouldn’t be considered a final decision for entry or for quarantine requirements.
A government representative at the border will determine if your reason for travelling to Canada can be considered for exemption under the emergency orders.
Foreign nationals arriving from the U.S. may be able to enter Canada for non-discretionary (non-optional) travel purposes.
Foreign nationals arriving from countries other than the U.S. may also be allowed to enter Canada. However, their travel must be non-discretionary (non-optional) and fall under exemptions set out in the emergency order. For example:
an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is travelling to be with an immediate family member and is planning to stay for a period of at least 15 days
foreign nationals who are allowed into Canada under this exemption mustquarantine for 14 days
Being exempt from border restrictions does not mean you’re exempt from other requirements, including:
any additional public health requirements of the province or territory where you’ll be quarantining and staying while in Canada
In some cases, your reason for travelling may be considered essential by a province, territory or under Canada’s National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure. However, you’ll only be given an exemption by the Government of Canada if your reason for travel is considered essential under the Quarantine Act‘s emergency orders.
Foreign nationals who meet an exemption to the border restrictions must still present the appropriate travel documents at the border. This includes citizenship documents or work permits. Government representatives will make the final decision on your entry to Canada at the port of entry.
For more information on the restrictions to enter Canada and the exemptions, consult the Canada Border Services Agency.
Mandatory quarantine or mandatory isolation
Before considering travelling, all travellers arriving in Canada must plan for their mandatory 14-day quarantine period, which starts on the date they arrive. Government of Canada representatives will conduct health screenings at the time of entry to Canada and let you know if you need to quarantine or isolate.
If you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms, you must quarantine for 14 days while you’re still at risk of developing symptoms and infecting others.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you must isolate for 14 days. The only people who may enter Canada if they have COVID-19 or any symptoms of COVID-19 are:
stay at your place of quarantine or isolation for 14 days (only leave to seek medical assistance if needed)
not have any guests
monitor your health for fever and a cough, or fever and difficulty breathing
follow all other guidance provided by your local public health authority
You’re strongly urged to make housing arrangements for quarantine or isolation before you arrive in Canada. In most cases, this can be in your own home or in the same place you’re visiting in Canada.
If this isn’t possible, you should consider making alternative arrangements that are within your own financial means. A suitable place is one where you:
won’t have contact with people who are vulnerable, such as those who:
are 65 years or older
have underlying medical conditions
have compromised immune systems
aren’t in a group living environment
can stay for at least 14 days (and possibly longer)
have access to basic necessities, including water, food, medication and heat during the winter months
Exceptions to staying with a vulnerable person include if:
they’re a consenting adult
they’re either the parent or the minor in a parent-minor relationship
Before you travel, you must plan to quarantine or isolate in a suitable place. If you don’t, you may be assessed further. If you can’t quarantine in your own home, consider other options within your financial means, such as:
hotel
motel
other paid housing
friends or family, as long as you won’t expose anyone who:
is not part of your travel group
is at risk of more severe outcomes of COVID-19
If no other options are available, travellers may be referred to a designated quarantine facility as a last resort. This decision will be made by a government representative at the border.
After you arrive in Canada, a representative of the Government of Canada will call you to monitor compliance with your mandatory quarantine or isolation. We ask that you please answer calls from 1-888-336-7735.
Travellers who need medical testing or treatment while in quarantine or isolation
If you need to seek testing or medical treatment, you must:
immediately return to your place of quarantine or isolation location afterwards
wear a non-medical mask or face covering while in transit
We also recommended that you contact your local public health authority and follow any additional instructions they provide.
Travellers with symptoms (mandatory isolation)
No one should travel when sick. Commercial airline restrictions may also prevent you from boarding your plane if you’re sick. However, Canadians, persons with status under the Indian Act and permanent residents who have COVID-19 symptoms are allowed to return to Canada.
If you arrive in Canada with symptoms of COVID-19, let a border official know. A Government of Canada representative will then be contacted to assess your situation. If you need it, they’ll help you get medical care.
Foreign nationals won’t be allowed to enter Canada if they have COVID-19 or any symptoms of COVID-19.
Travellers without symptoms (mandatory quarantine)
If you’re in mandatory quarantine and have no COVID-19 symptoms, you may use a private outdoor space if your place of quarantine has one. This means one that’s not shared with anyone else.
Avoid contact with those who:
are 65 years or older
have underlying medical conditions
have compromised immune systems
You may only quarantine with somebody from the above group if:
they consent to the quarantine or are the parent or minor in a parent-minor relationship
you complete a form provided by a government representative at the port of entry explaining the consent and receive authorization to proceed
If you develop COVID-19 symptoms within your 14-day quarantine period:
There are no exemptions from mandatory quarantine for:
compassionate reasons, such as visiting a critically ill loved one or attending a funeral
travellers entering Canada who have tested negative for COVID-19
this is because a negative test for COVID-19 doesn’t prove that a traveller is COVID-19 free
travellers entering Canada who have recovered from COVID-19
this is because there’s potential risk of re-infection and it’s not yet certain how long the virus is contagious
If you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19 and you’re a member of one of the exempt classes of persons listed in the mandatory isolation order, then you don’t have to meet federal quarantine requirements, but are required to respect the intent of the order in addition to any provincial and local requirements. This exemption from federal quarantine requirements includes, with conditions, persons who perform an essential job or function, as described in the order.
You don’t require an interpretive letter from the Public Health Agency of Canada in order to be exempted from an emergency order.
If you’ve requested an interpretive letter for a future travel exemption, this letter would be taken into account. However, it wouldn’t be considered a final decision for entry or for quarantine requirements.
A government representative at the border will determine if your reason for travelling to Canada can be considered for exemption under the emergency orders.
If you’re exempt from the 14-day quarantine requirement, you must still:
monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms
wear a non-medical mask or face covering while in public settings if physical distancing can’t be maintained
follow public health guidance and prevention measures from your local health authority and your employer
Isolate yourself from others right away if you develop COVID-19 symptoms and contact your local public health authority for further instruction.
Employers of exempt workers should conduct active daily monitoring of their staff for COVID-19 symptoms, checking for cough, fever or shortness of breath. Use the risk assessment tool for workplaces and businesses for more guidance.
Compliance and enforcement
Violating any instructions provided to you when you entered Canada or failing to provide accurate information is an offence under the Quarantine Act and could lead to up to:
6 months in prison and/or
$750,000 in fines
If you choose to break your mandatory quarantine or isolation, resulting in the death or serious bodily harm to another person, you could face:
a fine of up to $1,000,000 or
imprisonment of up to 3 years or
both
The Contraventions Act has been changed to give police (including the RCMP, provincial and local police) more power to enforce the Quarantine Act. They can issue tickets to people who don’t comply with the act or the emergency orders. Fines range from $275 to $1,000.
Travellers within Canada
As of March 30, 2020, all airline passengers in Canada will be subject to a health check prior to boarding. You won’t be able to board if you:
show any symptoms of COVID-19
are subject to a provincial or local public health order
have been refused boarding in the past 14 days due to a medical reason related to COVID-19
If you weren’t allowed on a flight because you had COVID-19 symptoms, you can’t board any other flight until:
14 days have passed and you no longer have symptoms or
you present a medical certificate confirming that your symptoms aren’t related to COVID-19
Travellers within Canada may be subject to additional provincial, territorial and local public health measures at your final destination. In addition, they may be exempted from provincial or territorial border restrictions within Canada if their reason for travelling within Canada is to provide support to a business that’s considered essential:
by Public Safety Canada
within a province or territory
Travellers departing Canada
Canadian citizens and permanent residents are advised to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The best way to protect yourself, your family and those most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 in our communities is to choose to stay in Canada. Contact your airline or tour operator to determine options for cancelling or postponing your trip.
Many countries have put in place travel or border restrictions, such as movement restrictions and quarantines. Many airlines have reduced or suspended flights and many airports have closed.
These restrictions are changing quickly and may be imposed by countries with little warning. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted. Should you choose to take non-essential travel outside Canada, you may be forced to remain outside of Canada longer than expected.
It’s important to remember that if you choose to travel abroad:
your trip may become much longer than you planned
you may have reduced access to quality health care
you could be subject to the measures of other countries
If you’re still considering travel outside of Canada, you should:
understand the risks to your safety and security abroad
wash your hands often with soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds
if none is available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
If you feel sick during your flight or upon arrival:
seek medical attention
look for messaging on airport screens to guide you
inform the flight attendant or a border services officer
When travelling outside Canada, expect increased health screening measures at points of entry for international destinations, including airports and land borders. Local authorities may impose control measures suddenly, including movement restrictions such as quarantines.
Leaving Canada while in mandatory quarantine or isolation
No one should travel when sick. Commercial airline restrictions may also prevent you from boarding your plane if you’re sick.
If you arrive in Canada and have started your 14-day mandatory quarantine or isolation period but then have to leave the country before this period ends, you must:
continue to quarantine or isolate until you depart Canada
wear a non-medical mask or face covering while around others
get permission and follow the instructions laid out by a quarantine officer (for people in isolation only)
Avoid all travel on cruise ships outside Canada
Canada is advising Canadian citizens and permanent residents to avoid all travel on cruise ships outside Canada until further notice.
Cruise passengers include travellers from around the world who may be arriving from areas with known or unknown spread of COVID-19. The virus can spread quickly on board cruises due to the close contact between passengers. Older people and people with a weakened immune system or underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe disease.
Cruise ship outbreaks of COVID-19 indicate that a large number of individuals onboard can become infected.
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, many countries outside of Canada have put policies and restrictions in place to contain the global outbreak. These restrictions may impact a cruise traveller’s:
itinerary
ability to disembark
access to health care
If an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs on your cruise ship while you are outside of Canada:
you could be subject to quarantine procedures onboard ship or in a foreign country
the range of consular services available to those on cruise ships may be significantly restricted by local authorities, especially in situations of quarantine
you must quarantine for 14 days upon your return to Canada
The Government of Canada isn’t planning additional repatriation flights to bring Canadians home during the COVID-19 pandemic. If an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs on your cruise ship while you’re outside of Canada, our ability to help may be limited. Your options to return to Canada may also be limited due to decreased availability of flights.
For information on domestic cruises and passenger vessels, refer to the following:
people who provide a medical certificate certifying that they’re unable to wear a face mask for a medical reason
You may also be required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering on other modes of transportation that are federally regulated. Before you travel, check to see how transportation measures affect your plans and what you need to pack.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Hearing the familiar sounds of clacking sticks and pucks banging off the boards and glass while watching Columbus Blue Jackets prospects from the stands of a cold rink on a warm late-summer afternoon was not enough to wash away the lingering residuals of grief for Don Waddell on Saturday.
That, the Blue Jackets’ general manager acknowledged, will take more time than anyone can guess — weeks, months, perhaps an entire season and beyond.
What mattered is how spending the weekend attending the Sabres Prospects Challenge represented a start to what Waddell called among the first steps in refocusing on hockey and the future in the aftermath of the deaths of Columbus star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, who were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles on Aug 29.
“We got to play hockey,” Waddell said. “We’re not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family.”
“Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey,” Waddell said. “And everybody’s rallying around that.”
The resumption of hockey in Columbus began last week, when most Blue Jackets players returned to their facility to be together and lean on each other at the urging of Waddell and team captain Boone Jenner. And it will continue on Thursday, when the team opens training camp, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed.
“Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year,” Waddell said. “We all mourn and heal differently, but I think as a team being together like that is going to be critical for them to get moving forward.”
Waddell was general manager of the then-Atlanta Thrashers in 2003 when Dany Heatley lost control of his car and struck a wall, with the crash killing passenger and teammate Dan Snyder. In 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a July Fourth fireworks accident.
Waddell placed the emphasis on himself and coach Dean Evason — both newcomers to Columbus this offseason — to guide the team through what will be an emotional season.
“Now, do I think there’s going to be some dark days? I won’t be surprised,” Waddell said.
Reminders of the Gaudreaus’ deaths remain apparent, and reflected in Buffalo on Friday night. A moment of silence was held in tribute to the brothers before the opening faceoff of a game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres.
Afterward, Columbus prospect Gavin Brindley recalled the times he spent with Johnny Gaudreau in Columbus and as teammates representing the United States at the world hockey championships in the Czech Republic in May.
“He was one of the biggest mentors for me at the world championships,” Brindley said. “I couldn’t tell you how many times we hung out with Meredith, pictures on my phone. It’s just so hard to look back and see that kind of stuff.”
The NHL and NHL Players’ Association are providing the Blue Jackets help in the form of grief counseling, crowd security at vigils and addressing hockey issues, such as potentially altering the league’s salary cap rules to provide Columbus relief from having to reach the NHL minimum payroll because of the void left by Gaudreau’s contract.
“The Blue Jackets, I don’t think anybody’s focused from an organizational standpoint, from a hockey standpoint as to what comes next, because I think everybody’s still in shock,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told The Associated Press last week. “I don’t think anybody’s focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable.”
Much of the burden has fallen to Waddell, who has been in discussions with the NHL and the NHLPA and dealing with outreach programs with the Blue Jackets’ partner OhioHealth, while also overseeing preparations for training camp and gauging his prospects in Buffalo.
There’s also his roster to attend to, which he said has two openings at forward, one involving Justin Danforth, who may miss the start of the season because of a wrist injury. Waddell didn’t have to mention the second opening.
Tiring and emotional as it’s been, Waddell found comfort being in his element, a rink, and looking ahead to the start of training camp.
“The guys are in really good shape. We’ve done a lot of testing already and they’re eager to get going,” Waddell said. “We have a reason to play for. And we’ll make the best of it.”
The Blue Jackets later Sunday signed veteran winger James van Riemsdyk to a one-year contract worth $900,000.
“James van Riemsdyk has been a very consistent, productive player throughout his career,” Waddell said. “Bringing him to Columbus will not only provide depth to our group up front, but also valuable leadership and another veteran presence in our dressing room.”
___
AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno in New York contributed to this report.
PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes was the target of abusive and racist comments on social media after a French league game.
The club condemned the abuse and expressed its “full support” Sunday for the Portugal left back, who was targeted following PSG’s 3-1 win against Brest on Saturday.
Mendes, who is Black, shared on his Instagram account a racist message he received.
During the match, Mendes brought down Ludovic Ajorque in the box for a penalty that Romain Del Castillo converted to give Brest the lead.
“Paris Saint-Germain doesn’t tolerate racism, antisemitism or any other form of discrimination,” the club said. “The racial insults directed at Nuno Mendes are totally unacceptable … we are working with the relevant authorities and associations to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
MONTREAL – Tadej Pogacar was so dominant on Sunday, Canada’s Michael Woods called it a race for second.
Pogacar, a three-time Tour de France champion from Slovenia, pedalled to a resounding victory at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal.
The UAE Team Emirates leader crossed the finish line 24 seconds ahead of Spain’s Pello Bilbao of Bahrain — Victorious to win the demanding 209.1-kilometre race on a sunny, 28 C day in Montreal. France’s Julian Alaphilippe of Soudal Quick-Step was third.
“He’s the greatest rider of all time, he’s a formidable opponent,” said Woods, who finished 45 seconds behind the leader in eighth. “If you’re not at your very, very best, then you can forget racing with him, and today was kind of representative of that.
“He’s at such a different level that if you follow him, it can be lights out.”
Pogacar slowed down before the last turn to celebrate with the crowd, high-five fans on Avenue du Parc and cruise past the finish line with his arms in the air after more than five hours on the bike.
The 25-year-old joined Belgium’s Greg Van Avermaet as the only multi-time winners in Montreal after claiming the race in 2022. He also redeemed a seventh-place finish at the Quebec City Grand Prix on Friday.
“I was disappointed, because I had such good legs that I didn’t do better than seventh,” Pogacar said. “To bounce back after seventh to victory here, it’s just an incredible feeling.”
It’s Pogacar’s latest win in a dominant year that includes victories at the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia.
Ottawa’s Woods (Israel Premier-Tech) tied a career-best in front of the home crowd in Montreal, but hoped for more after claiming a stage at the Spanish Vuelta two weeks ago.
“I wanted a better result,” the 37-year-old rider said. “My goal was a podium, but at the same time I’m happy with the performance. In bike racing, you can’t always get the result you want and I felt like I raced really well, I animated the race, I felt like I was up there.”
Pogacar completed the 17 climbs up and down Mount Royal near downtown in five hours 28 minutes 15 seconds.
He made his move with 23.3 kilometres to go, leaving the peloton in his dust as he pedalled into the lead — one he never relinquished.
Bilbao, Alaphilippe, Alex Aranburu (Movistar Team) and Bart Lemmen (Visma–Lease) chased in a group behind him, with Bilbao ultimately separating himself from the pack. But he never came close to catching Pogacar, who built a 35-second lead with one lap left to go.
“It was still a really hard race today, but the team was on point,” Pogacar said. “We did really how we planned, and the race situation was good for us. We make it hard in the last final laps, and they set me up for a (takeover) two laps to go, and it was all perfect.”
Ottawa’s Derek Gee, who placed ninth in this year’s Tour de France, finished 48th in Montreal, and called it a “hard day” in the heat.
“I think everyone knows when you see Tadej on the start line that it’s just going to be full gas,” Gee said.
Israel Premier-Tech teammate Hugo Houle of Sainte-Perpétue, Que., was 51st.
Houle said he heard Pogacar inform his teammates on the radio that he was ready to attack with two laps left in the race.
“I said then, well, clearly it’s over for me,” Houle said. “You see, cycling isn’t that complicated.”
Australia’s Michael Matthews won the Quebec City GP for a record third time on Friday, but did not finish in Montreal. The two races are the only North American events on the UCI World Tour.
Michael Leonard of Oakville, Ont., and Gil Gelders and Dries De Bondt of Belgium broke away from the peloton during the second lap. Leonard led the majority of the race before losing pace with 45 kilometres to go.
Only 89 of 169 riders from 24 teams — including the Canadian national team — completed the gruelling race that features 4,573 metres in total altitude.
Next up, the riders will head to the world championships in Zurich, Switzerland from Sept. 21 to 29.
Pogacar will try to join Eddy Merckx (1974) and Stephen Roche (1987) as the only men to win three major titles in a season — known as the Triple Crown.
“Today gave me a lot of confidence, motivation,” Pogacar said. “I think we are ready for world championships.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 15, 2024.
