Trevor James
As of August 9, 2021, the Canadian government has allowed fully vaccinated Americans to enter Canada, including British Columbia. This was announced nearly a year and a half after the pandemic forced the closure of the border between the two countries. Travellers must also present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of entering the country. British Columbia's Premier John Horgan has also announced the introduction of a vaccine card for residents, which will be required to gain access to restaurants, clubs, sporting events, and other activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do Americans need to be vaccinated to enter British Columbia? | Yes, as of August 9, 2021, Americans need to provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours to enter Canada. |
| Are there any exceptions? | Unvaccinated travelers may be allowed entry but will be subject to testing, quarantine, and other entry requirements. |
| What other requirements are there for entry to British Columbia? | A pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from the Genestrings Laboratory at the Indira Gandhi International Airport is required within 18 hours before departure. |
| Are there any vaccination requirements within British Columbia? | Yes, British Columbia has a vaccine card program. Proof of vaccination is required for entry to indoor events, restaurants, movies, sports events, etc. |
| Are there any groups required to be vaccinated in British Columbia? | Yes, COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for long-term care and senior assisted living facility workers. |
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What You'll Learn
Americans entering British Columbia must be vaccinated
As of August 9, 2021, Americans can travel to British Columbia, Canada, for non-essential reasons, but they must provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their arrival. This rule also applies to Canadians entering the US.
British Columbia's vaccine card program, which began on September 13, 2021, requires proof of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter restaurants, movies, ticketed sporting events, and many other non-essential venues. As of October 24, 2021, individuals aged 12 and above must be fully vaccinated to access these services and venues. The tourism industry in British Columbia supports vaccine requirements to protect public health and prevent business shutdowns.
In addition to the vaccine card program, British Columbia has implemented vaccination requirements for specific groups. For instance, the province mandated COVID-19 vaccines for all workers in long-term care and seniors' assisted living facilities by mid-October 2021. This decision aimed to reduce the risk of outbreaks in these vulnerable settings, as unvaccinated individuals had caused previous outbreaks. Local public health units verify the immunization status of these workers and facilitate access to vaccinations.
Furthermore, as of January 15, 2022, international students entering Canada must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved for entry into the country. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers may be subject to testing, quarantine, and other entry requirements, while non-exempt unvaccinated foreign nationals may be prohibited from entering Canada. These COVID-related restrictions for entering Canada are expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future.
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Negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival
As of 15 January 2022, all international students entering Canada will need to be fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into the country. Unvaccinated travellers will be prohibited from entering Canada unless they are exempt. Exempt unvaccinated travellers will be subject to testing, quarantine, and other entry requirements.
To enter British Columbia, travellers must obtain a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from the Genestrings Laboratory, located in the Airport Connect Building (ACB) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. This test must be performed within 18 hours before their scheduled departure, and travellers must present the test report with a QR code to the air operator before boarding.
Additionally, as of 30 October 2021, travellers need to be fully vaccinated to board domestic flights, international flights departing from Canadian airports, and Via Rail. This may impact travel to British Columbia.
From 9 August 2021, Americans could travel across the border for non-essential travel, as long as they could provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours.
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BC's vaccine card program
As of September 13, 2021, British Columbia (B.C.) implemented a vaccine card program, which requires proof of vaccination to access non-essential services and events. The program was introduced to encourage vaccinations and slow the surging fourth wave of COVID-19 infections, particularly due to the Delta variant. The tourism industry in B.C. supported the vaccine requirements to prevent further restrictions or shutdowns.
The B.C. vaccine card is a one-page file with an individual's name, confirmed vaccination status, and a QR code. It can be downloaded as an image file, saved as a screenshot on a phone, or printed on paper. The card can be accessed through the provincial Health Gateway website by entering one's personal health number. Those who cannot access a computer and printer can call the province's call centre to have their card printed and sent by mail or visit a Service B.C. location in person. Individuals are advised not to post their QR code online.
The vaccine card is required for people aged 12 and above to enter indoor events and businesses, including restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, fitness centres, and organized indoor events such as weddings, parties, conferences, and workshops with 50 or more people. Children under 12 are exempt from providing proof of vaccination. Additionally, individuals between the ages of 12 and 18 do not need to show photo ID with their card, while adults aged 19 and over must provide a government-issued photo ID.
The vaccine card program was initially set to end on January 31, 2022, but it could be extended. Visitors from outside the province or Canada must provide provincially or territorially recognized official vaccine records along with valid government ID. Foreign nationals entering Canada are required to be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved for entry into Canada. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals without an exemption will be prohibited from entering the country. Fully vaccinated travelers may still need to quarantine while awaiting the results of their arrival test.
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Exemptions for unvaccinated travellers
As of January 15, 2022, international students will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry. Unvaccinated travellers who are exempt will continue to be subject to testing and quarantine requirements. Non-exempt unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will be prohibited from entering Canada.
Unvaccinated travellers entering Canada will have to submit to a Day 1 swab for COVID-19 testing and be given an at-home test kit to self-administer on Day 8. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that the Day 8 test is completed and sent for processing. Unvaccinated travellers may also be randomly selected for a Day 1 swab. Any traveller who is observed to have COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival may be placed in quarantine by the Public Health Agency of Canada at the point of entry or be sent to the hospital.
Unvaccinated foreign workers in the agricultural, food, and seafood sectors arriving to work in British Columbia must quarantine for 14 days. Employers are required to provide adequate quarantine accommodations, food, and support.
To enter Canada, eligible passengers on direct flights must obtain a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from the Genestrings Laboratory, located above the metro station in the Airport Connect Building (ACB) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The test must be performed within 18 hours before the scheduled departure, and the test report with a QR code must be presented to the air operator before boarding.
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Quarantine requirements
As of September 7, 2021, fully vaccinated foreign nationals can enter British Columbia without having to self-isolate, as long as they meet specific entry and testing requirements. Unvaccinated children under 12 years of age travelling with fully vaccinated guardians are also exempt from quarantine upon entering British Columbia, but they must follow strict public health measures, including avoiding crowded settings.
However, non-essential travel to or from the Interior region of British Columbia is discouraged until individuals are fully vaccinated. Additionally, some Indigenous communities in British Columbia are not welcoming visitors at this time. It is recommended to check the Indigenous Tourism BC website for an up-to-date list of Indigenous experiences in the province that are currently open to visitors.
As of October 4, 2021, proof of vaccination is required for anyone aged 12 and older to access certain events, services, and businesses in British Columbia. This includes indoor personal gatherings at vacation rentals, where the number of attendees may be limited unless all attendees aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated.
All travellers entering Canada, regardless of vaccination status, will have their health assessed at the border. It is important to note that Americans must provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before crossing the border into Canada.
To ensure the safety of everyone, visitors are encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines, maintain good personal hygiene, and adhere to any additional cleaning measures implemented by their accommodation providers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of August 9, 2021, Americans must provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours to enter Canada.
Exempt unvaccinated travellers will continue to be subject to testing, quarantine, and other entry requirements. Non-exempt unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will be prohibited from entering Canada.
Travellers must obtain a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from the Genestrings Laboratory, located above the metro station in the Airport Connect Building at Indira Gandhi International Airport. This test must be performed within 18 hours before their scheduled departure.
Yes, British Columbia's vaccine card program requires proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, movies, ticketed sporting events, and many other non-essential venues.
