Toronto –
As Canadians prepare to make summer travel plans, countries around the world are easing masking rules along with COVID-19 restrictions at the border.
Masks are no longer required to be worn on flights in some countries, including the US. However, these orders will only apply to domestic flights or flights between countries that do not require the wearing of masks in flight. According to Transport Canada regulations, masks are still required on all commercial flights to and from Canada.
Some countries have also dropped their vaccine requirements for foreign tourists. However, these destinations may still be out of reach for unvaccinated Canadians as Transport Canada rules also stipulate that most Canadian airports require vaccinations for passengers over 12 to board planes.
There are vaccinations, COVID-19 testing and masking requirements at some of the most popular vacation destinations for Canadians:
United States of america
Vaccines required for admission? Yes
Need a pre-flight COVID-19 test? Yes
Is mask necessary inside the house? no, with exceptions
To fly into the US, all passengers must carry current proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within a day of travel. The test can be either a rapid antigen test or a molecular test, such as a PCR test, administered by a laboratory or health care provider. No COVID-19 test is required to enter the US through land border crossings or ferry terminals.
In addition, all nonimmigrant and non-US citizen travelers must present proof of being fully vaccinated. All vaccines approved for use in Canada are accepted by US authorities.
Nowhere in the US are there more state-wide indoor mask mandates, however, some cities, including New York City and Chicago, still require masks on public transportation, while others, including Philadelphia, still require all indoor locations throughout the city. Mask is mandatory.
United Kingdom
Vaccines required for admission? No
Need a pre-flight COVID-19 test? No
Is mask necessary inside the house? No
In March, the UK lifted all of its COVID-19 measures at the border, making it one of the least restricted countries for Canadians to travel. There is no need to take any kind of COVID-19 test before departure or after arrival. Even unaffiliated travelers can travel to the UK without facing any quarantine or any other restrictions.
Masks have been optional at most indoor venues since February in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland held onto its masks for a while, but the Scottish government also ended its mandate on 19 April.
Mexico
Vaccines required for admission? No
Need a pre-flight COVID-19 test? No
Is mask necessary inside the house? No
Mexico also has some of the world’s loosest COVID-19 travel restrictions. The country does not require any COVID-19 tests before or upon arrival and is open to unvaccinated travelers.
As of April 21, all Mexican states are in the green zone according to the country’s COVID-19 surveillance system. This means that masks are recommended but optional in indoor public places. However, masks are still mandatory on public transport.
Jamaica
Vaccines required for admission? No
Need a pre-flight COVID-19 test? No
Is mask necessary inside the house? No
Jamaica required passengers to take a COVID-19 test 72 hours before their flight. But on April 16, the country dropped its testing requirements at the border as well as its indoor mask mandate. Jamaica has never required travelers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
While there is no mandate, the country’s health officials still recommend social distancing and regular hand washing, along with wearing masks in public areas.
Dominican Republic
Vaccines required for admission? No
Need a pre-flight COVID-19 test? No
Is mask necessary inside the house? No
Travelers to Canada hoping to hit Punta Cana’s beaches will not be required to show proof of vaccine or proof of COVID-19 testing, but passengers may be randomly selected to undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival . However, if you have proof of vaccination or have had a negative PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours prior to arrival, you may be exempted from random testing.
Travelers arriving from certain countries considered to be at high risk of COVID-19, such as Australia, Brazil, India, the UK and Spain, are required to present proof of vaccination or a negative PCR or antigen test. This also applies to any traveler who has visited any of these countries within the last 14 days.
Masks are no longer mandatory in most indoor locations, except in health care centers and on public transport.
Cuba
Vaccines required for admission? No, unless there is a PCR test
Need a pre-flight COVID-19 test? No, unless vaccinated
Is mask necessary inside the house? Yes
Cuba vaccination allows travelers to enter the country without the need for pre-arrival COVID-19 testing. However, unvaccinated travelers are required to present proof of a PCR test within 72 hours of entering Cuba.
Cuba also requires unvaccinated travelers to take an antigen test 24 hours before leaving the country. Antigen tests are available in hotels and cost around C$30. Travel health insurance is also mandatory for all visitors, although it can be purchased at the airport upon arrival.
Masks will be mandatory for all indoor public places. Cuban travelers must also complete an online health declaration form prior to entry, similar to the mandatory ArriveCan app for travelers entering Canada.
