Updated Wednesday, April 6, 2021
Plus, how and where to get your COVID-19 test in Ontario.
With the Canadian border open to American citizens, you may be ready to visit a Vintage Hotel in Ontario, Canada. Before you book your getaway to a Vintage Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, you’ll need to understand the requirements for travel to Canada. Your safety and well-being are a priority for us.
Who can visit Canada?
American citizens and permanent residents of the United States can enter Canada if they:
- currently reside in the US
- qualify as fully vaccinated travelers
Accepted vaccines in Canada include:
- Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2)
- Moderna (mRNA-1273)
- AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria, AZD1222)
- Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S)
- Novavax (NVX-COV2373, Nuvaxovid, Covovax)
- Bharat Biotech (Covaxin, BBV152 A, B, C)
- Sinopharm BIBP (BBIBP-CorV)
- Sinovac (CoronaVac, PiCoVacc)
What is required to be able to travel to Canada?
US travelers must be considered fully vaccinated by the Canadian government to enter Canada. This includes having received their last vaccination dose at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and uploading their proof of vaccination to the ArriveCAN app prior to arriving at the border.
US visitors also must follow these entry requirements:
- Quarantine plan in case you don’t meet requirements or your arrival test is positive
- Have your ArriveCan receipt ready with the letters I, V, or A beside your name
US visitors may be subjected to a randomized arrival test. If you are selected for an arrival test you must take the test on the day you enter Canada. You do not have to wait for your results and may travel to your destination. The arrival test will be free.
You can visit the Travel Canada website to see if you qualify for travel and to review all requirement details. Please note requirements are different for Children under the age of 12.
What is required at the border in Canada?
When you arrive to a Canadian border a government official will assess your eligibility for entry without quarantine. They will review your ArriveCAN receipt, PCR/molecular test results and quarantine plans, as well as, required travel documents like your passports.
What is the ArriveCAN app?
The ArriveCAN app allows travelers to submit their mandatory travel information to the Canadian government (72 hours) prior to arrival and upon departure from Canada. The app is free and is designed to make travel safe and simple. You can sign in to the app here or it is available for download in the Apple and Google Play app stores.
Randomized arrival COVID-19 Test in Canada
Some US travelers will be randomly selected to take a COVID-19 arrival test at the Canadian border. This test is free. If you are required to take the test a border services officer will notify you. If you are selected for this test, you:
- Must take the test on the day of arrival to Canada
- Can travel on to your destination
- May receive a home test kit to complete within 24 hours of arrival
Most airport offer on-site testing facilities including the Toronto’s Pearson Airport. If you are arriving from a land border crossing, you will be given an at-home test kit to complete. Air travelers can also choose to book an at-home test kit.
What happens after I take my COVID-19 arrival test in Canada?
You can travel on to your destination. Fully vaccinated travelers who take the arrival test are not required to quarantine. They are required to follow public health measures, maintain a list of close contacts, monitor themselves for symptoms, and keep their proof of vaccination with them. Once they receive their test results they may be required to quarantine (if positive) or continue to follow the above guidelines (if negative).
What type of test/proof do I need to show to the CDC upon my return?
American land border travelers are not required to show any test results to return to the U.S.
If American travelers are returning to the US by air, they are required to show a negative test result or documentation of recovery. You will need to take an Antigen, viral test no more than 1 day before arrival to the U.S. Full details can be found here.
The following Questions pertain to US air travelers only
Are COVID-19 tests offered in Niagara-on-the-Lake?
Antigen tests are easily accessible in Niagara-on-the-Lake at Simpson’s Pharmacy, 7 days a week. The cost of this test is $40 CAD plus tax. Click here to schedule a test.
Please also note that land border crossing information is still being updated. For more information click here.
Other Covid-19 Health Regulations to Consider Before Travelling to Ontario
Where can I find the Public Health Guidelines in Ontario?
As of March 21, 2022, face masks and physical distancing requirements for businesses were removed from most settings. Proof of vaccination is not required to enter businesses.
For full information on the advice, recommendations and instructions from Ontario Public Health click here.
*The above is provided as an informational resource only. As travel restrictions, guidelines and mandatory requirements are evolving we strongly recommend you confirm all travel requirements before you begin your trip.
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