travel vaccines canada

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Canada

Canada is the largest country in North America and the second largest in the world. The country is incredibly diverse in its people, history, and geography. Travellers can go surfing in Tofino, dogsled in the Northwest, learn the old history of Quebec, or meet people from all over the world in Toronto.

Canada can accommodate any type of traveller, from the adventurous to the history buff.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Canada? What Is the Climate Like in Canada? How Safe Is Canada? Visiting the Canadian Rockies What Should I Take to Canada?

Do I Need Vaccines for Canada?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Canada. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Canada: COVID-19 , hepatitis A , hepatitis B , rabies , meningitis , polio , measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia and influenza .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

• COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for all travellers
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Accelerated schedule available
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
• TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
• Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
• Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
• Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
• Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
• Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
• Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Some parts of Canada, especially western Canada, have had measles and mumps outbreaks in recent months. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before travelling.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

What Is the Climate Like in Canada?

Canada’s climate is almost as diverse as its attractions. Make sure you bring what you need for your trip.

• Toronto – This city’s climate is moderated by Lake Ontario. It is warm and humid in the summers and cold in the winter. There is snow on the ground most days during the months between December and March.
• Edmonton – In Edmonton it is sunny, even in the winter. The climate is dry, with rain in the summer. The summer is cool and winters and very cold. Snow with a depth greater than 1 cm occurs about 141 days each year.
• Ottawa – Ottawa has warm and humid summers, and very cold winters. In the summer, the temperature reaches upward of 25. But, winter can be cold and well below freezing.

How Safe Is Canada?

Canada has relatively low crime rate. But, violent crimes and crimes of convenience do occur, particularly in urban areas. Travellers should take precautions when visiting large cities or when travelling at night. Take measures to safeguard belongings, especially in public areas.

Visiting the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies have gorgeous wildlife and scenery and tons of outdoor activities. Travellers can do all kinds of activities including: whitewater rafting, back country skiing, or rock climbing. Almost every traveller will find something to suit his or her needs.

What Should I Take to Canada?

Make sure you bring these key items with you on your trip to Canada:

• Warm Clothing – Winters get incredibly cold in Canada, so a good, thick jacket is a necessity. Your extremities tend to get colder faster, so bring a pair of thick gloves if you plan on playing in the snow.
• Hiking Shoes – There is a lot of hiking that can be done throughout the country. If you plan on exploring the outdoors, good shoes will be imperative.
• Umbrella – If you’re visiting when it is expected to rain, an umbrella or raincoat will keep you dry.

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COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders

Return or travel to canada.

For all travellers entering Canada by air, land or marine mode:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
• Pre-board testing is not required
• COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required
• Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required
• to save time at the border, you can use Advance Declaration in ArriveCAN to submit your customs and immigration declaration before flying into Canada
• Pre-boarding tests for cruise passengers are not required
• As always, travel documents are required
• Health checks to board planes and trains are not required
• It's strongly recommended that you wear a well-constructed and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 , you shouldn't travel to Canada.

If you feel sick or experience any symptoms of COVID-19 during your travel to Canada or upon arrival, you should:

• inform the flight attendant, cruise staff or a border services officer upon arrival. You may be referred to a Quarantine Officer for a health assessment and further direction.
• avoid taking public transportation
• check provincial or territorial requirements for what you need to do if you’re symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19

Travelling in and out of Canada

• International travel advice and advisories
• COVID-19 and international travel
• Proof of vaccination
• Find out if you need a visa

Wearing masks on planes and trains in Canada is not required.

• It's still strongly recommended that you wear a high quality and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

Situation in Canada

• COVID-19 guidance, vaccines, limiting the spread
• Summary data about travellers, testing and compliance

The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation. See the COVID-19 border measures backgrounder .

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Latest border and travel measures

This news release may not reflect the current border and travel measures. Check COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for the latest requirements to enter Canada.

Important notice

Note that information and resources on the coronavirus (COVID-19) are available on Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Using Canada’s COVID-19 proof of vaccination for travel

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Backgrounder

canadian-covid-19-proof-vaccination

The Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination provides Canadian residents with a reliable way to demonstrate that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 when travelling within and outside Canada. Canadians can get their proof of vaccination from their province or territory (for more information, visit Canada.ca/vaccine-proof ).

Each country decides what type of vaccination proof is required, the types of vaccines they accept, the number of doses required, and any exemptions to public health measures. Even with a Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination, a traveller may not be considered fully vaccinated in another country. Canadians should always check the entry and public health requirements of their destination country, as well as the Government of Canada’s travel advice and advisories , before booking a trip. It’s also important they understand their obligations and the entry requirements for returning to Canada.

Designed to protect privacy and share COVID-19 vaccination information safely

The information on the proof of vaccination is limited to

• the holder’s full name and date of birth
• the number of doses
• the vaccine type(s), product name(s) and lot number(s)
• 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 person’s COVID-19 vaccination history. The proof, including the QR code, does not contain any additional medical or identity information.

A common look across Canada based on the SMART Health Card standard

The Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination was designed with a common look that features the Canada wordmark. It will allow other countries and transportation providers, such as airlines and cruise ship operators, to recognize the proof as a trusted Canadian document regardless of the province or territory that issued it.

The proof also complies with the SMART Health Card standard, which is used and recognized by many top travel destinations for Canadian travellers. The Government of Canada is actively engaging international partners to seek recognition and acceptance of the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination abroad. The SMART Health Card

• is a secure and verifiable health record that is digitally signed by a trusted authority (for example, the issuing province or territory)
• uses technology that allows officials to verify and authenticate the information without giving access to other health or identity information
• prevents forgeries and tampering by detecting any changes to the document after it has been issued
• allows users to hold a digital copy on a portable device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, or to print a copy directly or via a request to their provincial or territorial government, where available

ArriveCAN updates for travellers entering Canada

All travellers must submit mandatory information in ArriveCAN (mobile app or online at Canada.ca/ArriveCAN ) within 72 hours before arrival in Canada. To qualify for public health exemptions, travellers must meet the definition of a fully vaccinated traveller and upload their proof of vaccination. Final determination on whether they benefit from the modified provisions for fully vaccinated travellers is made at the border. Travellers must bring a digital or paper copy of their proof of vaccination with them.

ArriveCAN has been updated to digitally verify the authenticity of the new Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination, allowing Canadian officials to easily review it at the border. ArriveCAN users should update their app to ensure the latest functionality. If travellers do not have this new proof, they can continue to upload other proofs of vaccination in ArriveCAN.

Acceptance of mixed vaccine doses internationally

Canadians vaccinated with mixed vaccine doses followed recommendations made by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization to protect themselves and their communities. It is important that they are able to travel with the associated benefits of vaccination.

As of November 8, 2021, Canadians vaccinated with any combination of 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by U.S. regulators or the World Health Organization will be considered fully vaccinated and able to enter the United States. The Government of Canada is actively engaging other countries and international partners to encourage them to recognize those who have received mixed vaccine schedules or extended dose intervals as being fully vaccinated. This includes sharing Canada’s evidence and experience with mixed schedules of Health Canada-authorized vaccines for both AstraZeneca/mRNA and mixed mRNA doses. Initial outreach has focused on the ongoing exchange of technical and scientific information to advance this time-sensitive work.

The first priority for engagement has focused on national health and scientific decision-making authorities with significant impact and influence and with whom Canada has close, trusted relationships, including the U.S. and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United Kingdom, the European Union and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The Government of Canada is also engaging with the World Health Organization given its global influence, and has successfully secured supportive commitments to recognize mixed vaccine schedules in numerous G7 and G20 Health Declarations issued in the last several weeks.

Using the proof of vaccination for travel in Canada

The Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination offers multiple benefits and uses, which includes meeting Canada’s new traveller vaccine requirements.

Effective October 30, 2021, all travellers 12 years of age and older departing from Canadian airports, and travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will be required to be fully vaccinated in order to travel. To allow travellers time to become fully vaccinated, there will be a short transition period where they will be able to travel if they show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel as an alternative to providing proof of full vaccination. If travellers have not already started the vaccination process, or do not start soon, they risk not qualifying for travel as of November 30, 2021.

Visit Boarding flights to and within Canada for more information.

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Getting on a plane today? Here's what you need to know about new vaccination requirements

Vaccine mandate rules, with some exemptions, kick in saturday.

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The federal government announced new exemptions and a grace period for unvaccinated foreign nationals on Friday, along with details of its vaccine mandate for travellers that takes effect Saturday.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra spoke at Toronto Pearson Airport about Transport Canada's final orders and guidance, issued to airlines and railways following consultations.

Starting at 3 a.m. on Oct. 30, all travellers in Canada aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated before boarding planes, trains or cruise ships in this country. Even those fully vaccinated need to show proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test upon returning to Canada. Ottawa is facing pressure to drop that requirement . 

Canadians travelling abroad will need to follow the rules of the specific airline and country they are entering, which may include testing.

According to the government's rules , travellers should be fully vaccinated two weeks prior to travel.

If travellers have started the vaccination process but have not yet completed it, they can show proof of a valid COVID-19 molecular test until Nov. 29. As of Nov. 30, the unvaccinated will not be eligible to travel, except for limited exemptions. 

"Let me be very clear. If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of November, you will not be allowed to board a plane or train in Canada," Alghabra said.

• Ottawa facing pressure to nix pricey COVID test rule for fully vaccinated travellers

But the transport minister said there would be a "few exceptions" for "emergencies and special accommodation for designated remote communities so residents can continue to access essential services."

Alghabra said that after consultations with Indigenous communities, provinces and territories, the government recognizes that there are several communities where the only way in or out for most of the year is by plane, and some may need to travel for emergency reasons.

"Those are communities that have very little if no access to the outside world other than travelling by plane," he said.

Also new is that the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will support operators by confirming vaccination status.

To qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller to Canada, you must have received at least two doses of a Government of Canada-accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a mix of two accepted vaccines, or at least one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

WATCH | What you need to know about required vaccines for travellers:

What to know about required vaccines for travellers in Canada

Grace period for unvaccinated foreign travellers leaving canada.

Alghabra also announced new "transitional measures" for unvaccinated foreign nationals who don't live in Canada and entered the country before Oct. 30. They will have until Feb. 28 to show proof of a valid COVID-19 molecular test in order to board a flight taking them out of the country. 

After Feb. 28, foreign nationals who want to leave Canada will need to get fully vaccinated, he said.

The government already said in August that all employers in federally regulated air, rail and marine transportation sectors are required to roll out mandatory vaccination policies for their organization by Saturday.

After a short transition period, companies must guarantee staff, including those who work at restaurants and retail stores at airports, are fully vaccinated; those who aren't could be forced off the job.

Alghabra did not provide an update on the government's work on a standardized vaccine certificate but said he wanted to "thank everyone who has done the right thing and gotten vaccinated."

Earlier this month, Alghabra told CBC News that the federal government was continuing to work with provinces and territories to come up with a standardized certificate that likely would include a QR code for travellers to use at the airport. Alghabra said then that he expected the project to be completed in a matter of weeks.

The vaccine mandate for travellers was one of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's election promises during the recent campaign. His deputy, Chrystia Freeland,   has said that the Liberals heard strong support for vaccine mandates while door-knocking during the campaign.

Roughly 72 per cent of Canada's total population is fully vaccinated.

The Conservatives have argued against vaccine mandates, saying that while they encourage Canadians to get vaccinated, it's a matter of personal choice. Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole has accused Trudeau of politicizing the issue of vaccines and creating division in the country.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Senior reporter

Ashley Burke is a senior reporter with the CBC's Parliamentary Bureau in Ottawa. She was recognized with the Charles Lynch Award and was a finalist for the Michener Award for her exclusive reporting on the toxic workplace at Rideau Hall. She has also uncovered allegations of sexual misconduct in the Canadian military. You can reach her confidentially by email: [email protected]

With files from Ryan Maloney

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On this page:, planning ahead, vaccines for travel, where to get travel vaccines.

When travelling outside Canada, your family may be at risk of getting and spreading vaccine-preventable diseases that are rare or not found in Canada. It's important to get all the recommended and required vaccines for the countries you or your family plans to visit. 

Talk to your health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel. This is important because some vaccines may take several weeks to become fully effective, and others may require more than 1 dose. 

If you leave on short notice, talking to your health care provider or visiting a travel health clinic is still important. Some vaccines that require more than 1 dose, like the hepatitis A vaccine, can still give you partial protection after just 1 dose. Some vaccines can also be given on an accelerated schedule (this means the doses are given over a shorter period).

One way to find a travel vaccine clinic is through the  Public Health Agency of Canada’s list of designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres . Many  pharmacies  also provide travel vaccines.

Routine vaccines

No matter where you travel, ensuring you and your family is up to date on all  routine vaccines  is important. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccines, such as measles and polio, are no longer common in Canada but are still common in other countries.

It may be recommended that your child receives routine vaccines early or on a different schedule when travelling. For example, infants 6 to 11 months of age who will be travelling to countries where there is measles disease should get the measles, mumps, rubella, (MMR) vaccine early. These children will need 2 more doses of the vaccine at the routine times (12 months and 4 to 6 years). Children between 1 and 4 who will be travelling can get their second dose early. 

Recommended travel vaccines 

Additional vaccines may be recommended for your family depending on the following: 

• Your travel destination.
• The age of your family members. 
• The risk of disease in the country or countries you are visiting.
• The length of your trip.
• The nature of the travel (for example, if you will stay in urban or remote areas).
• The activities you have planned while traveling.

Here are some examples of vaccines that may be recommended for travel to certain countries:

• Hepatitis A vaccine .
• Meningococcal vaccine .
• Japanese encephalitis vaccine .
• Typhoid vaccine .
• Cholera and travellers’ diarrhea vaccine .
• Yellow fever vaccine .

Required travel vaccines

Some countries require proof of receiving certain vaccines before entering the country. These requirements vary by country. For example:

• Saudi Arabia requires proof of meningococcal vaccination for all travellers arriving for Umrah or pilgrimage (Hajj) and seasonal workers.
• Yellow fever vaccination , documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis , is required to enter certain countries.

Travel vaccines are available from:

• Travel health clinics. One way to find a travel health clinic is through the  Public Health Agency of Canada’s list of designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres . 
• Pharmacies .

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