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Canada extended its travel restrictions until January 21, 2021 for all foreign nationals who are seeking entry into Canada except for the U.S.

Travel restrictions for those traveling from the U.S. have been extended until December 21, 2020.

In addition, Canada is creating a framework for considering applications from high performance amateur sport organizations who wish to hold International Single Sport Events. Applicants would need to include written commitments of ongoing support from provincial and local public health authorities. They will also need a robust plan to protect public health and the health of participants. More information will be available on the Department of Canadian Heritage’s website at a later date.

International travellers must have an essential reason to travel to Canada. Travellers who are coming to Canada for recreation, tourism or entertainment will be turned away by border officials.

Travel restrictions were put in place in March to curb the spread of COVID-19. They were intended to last until June 30. Since then, the restrictions have been extended every month. This is the first time the travel restrictions are extended for two months.

Some travellers are exempt from the travel restrictions, and may travel to Canada if they wish. These include:

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  • Canadian citizens
  • Permanent residents
  • Immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents
  • Temporary foreign workers
  • Foreign nationals who are entering Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
  • International students attending a Designated Learning Institution that has a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their provincial or territorial government.

All travellers are required by law to quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival. They must also travel straight to their place of quarantine from the port of entry, without stopping on the way.

Travellers are also required to have a quarantine plan, including how they intend to travel to their destination and how they will obtain groceries and medicine. If they do not live alone, they are also required to stay away from others, and regularly clean common areas.

Compassionate travellers, including those who wish to be present during the final moments of life for a loved one, or who wish to attend a funeral, can fill out an application to get limited release from quarantine before the 14 days are up.

Those travelling to Alberta may also be able to get early release from quarantine.

Travellers to Canada are now required to submit their information through the ArriveCAN mobile application before boarding. This information includes their travel and contact information, their quarantine plan, and a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment.

When seeking entry to Canada, travellers will be required to show their ArriveCAN receipt. Border officials will verify that travellers have submitted their information digitally.

Within 48 hours of arriving in Canada, travellers are required to confirm that they have arrived at their place of quarantine and they must complete a daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during the 14 day quarantine period.

The Canadian government has stressed that ArriveCAN respects traveller’s privacy and does not track the movements of travellers.

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