Although it is not currently possible for Canadians to travel to France, and many other European countries at this time, it is less clear whether Candian residents can return to the country.
This complete guide can help you make sense of the requirements you need to meet as a Canadian resident in order to cross the border back into Canada.
Restrictions on Returning to Canada from Europe
If you are a Canadian permanent resident planning to return to Canada from Europe, rest assured that you will be able to return to the country, despite recent travel restriction changes due to COVID-19.
In addition to residents, Canadian citizens, dual citizens with a valid Canadian passport or special authorization, protected persons, or anyone registered under Canada’s Indian Act are also permitted entry.
Additionally, an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen, a person registered under Canada’s Indian Act or of a permanent resident who is staying in Canada for 15 days or more may enter if they have a mandatory 14-day quarantine plan and are traveling for a non-discretionary purpose if staying less than 15 days.
Extended family reunification in Canada during COVID-19 for these categories is also possible if the family members meet the requirements above in addition to having written authorization from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Canadian immigration may also permit foreign nationals to enter Canada if they are traveling for compassionate reasons, including:
● Attending a funeral or end-of-life ceremony
● Being present during the final moments of life for a loved one
● Providing support to a person deemed critically ill
● Providing care to a person who requires medical support
Nevertheless, those granted entries for compassionate reasons are also required to have authorization from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Can Other Foreign Citizens travel to Canada Right Now?
Foreign citizens are only currently permitted to go to Canada right now if they are travelling directly from the US for a non-discretionary purpose and are exempt from travel restrictions., which are likely to remain in place until a drug to treat COVID-19 has been widely distributed.
Passengers coming to Canada from Europe who are exempted from restrictions include:
● Transit passengers (only if they remain within the secure transit area of a Canadian airport during their transfer)
● A select number of international students
● Temporary foreign workers
● Passengers waiting for approval to become a Canadian permanent resident
● Immediate family members of a Canadian temporary resident travelling to Canada for family reunification with a written authorization from IRCC
● French citizens who live in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and have been in only Canada, the US or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon during the 14 days before the date of entry
● Air and marine crew
● Any persons making medical deliveries
● Accredited diplomats and their immediate family members
● Members of the Canadian forces, Department of National Defence, or visiting military forces coming to perform official duties, and their immediate family members
● Those who have been invited by the Minister of Health for the purpose of assisting with COVID-19
● Any person who does not pose significant harm to public health, and who will provide an essential service while in Canada, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada,
Additionally, anyone whose presence in Canada is deemed to be in the national interest can also enter the country provided they are first approved by either the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. These individuals do not need to demonstrate they are entering for a non-discretionary reason.
COVID-19 Requirements for all Travelers to Canada
Anyone who is planning to enter Canada by air must first pass an airline health check before they are permitted to board their flight and mandatory use of facemasks is also necessary during the entire trip until the passenger arrives at the place where they will be self-isolating.
From November 21, 2020, it has also been mandatory for all passengers arriving in Canada by air to download the ArriveCAN app on their mobile device before boarding their plane.
This app must be used to submit the passenger’s travel and contact information, quarantine plan, and COVID-19 symptom self-assessment before arrival in Canada. It is also necessary to present either an electronic or paper ArriveCAN receipt to officials when crossing through border control.
Those entering Canada by land or sea can either download ArriveCAN or present border authorities with a paper form outlining their contact information.
Additionally, all arrivals, whether by land, air, or sea, will undergo medical screening on arrival to assess any COVID-19 symptoms. If these are present in any foreign national, that individual will be denied entry to Canada.
Quarantine Requirements for Canada
As mentioned above, a quarantine plan must be presented by all arrivals. Only people who provide essential services, like truck drivers, are exempted from submitting one.
This must indicate how the individual plans to self-isolate to contain the possible spread of COVID-19, and include details such as where they’ll stay, how they’ll get there, and how they will access essential services and supplies such as groceries and medical care during the 14 days.
The Canadian government has introduced some hefty penalties for those found to not be sticking to their submitted plan, including fines up to $750,000, 6 months of jail time, or expulsion and a 1-year ban from entering Canada. Therefore, it’s important to follow it.
