The Canadian government recognized that Proof of Vaccination credentials will be essential in reopening borders and communities all over the world. While the government maintains that Canadians must avoid non-essential travel, they recognize the need to provide a secure way for Canadians to demonstrate their vaccination history to both Canadian and foreign border officials.
To that end, the government is working with provincial and territorial governments to develop a pan-Canadian proof of vaccination to allow safe cross-border travel. The government is also engaging with Indigenous partners across the country to ensure that the proof of vaccination credentials do not affect the rights and needs of Indigenous peoples.
Currently, there is no international standard for acceptable proof of vaccination. However, the government is working with its international partners to get them to recognize the vaccination credentials issued in Canada.
Why Is Proof of Vaccination Required for Travel from and to Canada?
Canadians who decide to travel abroad will require proof of vaccination credentials to present to the foreign border officials to demonstrate that they meet the public health requirements of that country. It will also be required when returning to Canada.
Eligible foreign travelers to Canada can upload their proof of vaccination credentials on the ArriveCan app when traveling to Canada. They can also check if they are exempt from quarantine and post-arrival Covid-19 testing requirements. While the main focus is to provide digital proof of vaccination, the government is also working on making sure that these documents are accessible to all Canadians.
