Travel and COVID-19

Last updated: July 19, 2021

BC is welcoming visitors from Canadian provinces and territories. Respect communities, make a plan before you leave and arrive at your destination prepared.

Scroll down to find information on the following:

• Easing of Border Measures for Fully Vaccinated Travellers
• Recreational Travel in BC
• Entering BC
• Federal Entry Requirements
• Leaving BC

Visit the BC Government website for full details on BC’s province-wide restrictions.

Easing of Border Measures for Fully Vaccinated Travellers

On July 19, the Government of Canada announced the easing of border measures for fully vaccinated travellers.

On September 7, 2021, provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favourable, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travellers who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements.

As a first step, starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel. This preliminary step allows for the Government of Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7, 2021, and recognizes the many close ties between Canadians and Americans.

Subject to limited exceptions, all travellers must use ArriveCAN (app or web portal) to submit their travel information. If they are eligible to enter Canada and meet specific criteria, fully vaccinated travellers will not have to quarantine upon arrival in Canada.

Read the full press release from the Government of Canada here.

Recreational Travel in BC

Recreational travel within B.C. is allowed. This includes travel for:

• Vacations, weekend getaways and tourism activities
• Visiting family or friends for social reasons
• Recreation activities

Visiting Indigenous Communities

Some Indigenous communities in B.C. are not welcoming visitors at this time.

Indigenous Tourism BC has a list of Indigenous experiences in the province that are currently open and welcoming visitors.

Entering BC

From Another Province or Territory

If you travel to BC from another province or territory, you do not need to self-quarantine when entering BC You must follow the same province-wide restrictions as everyone in BC.

From a United States Border Crossing

All non-essential travel at the Canada-US border is restricted.

Starting August 9, fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents of the United States can enter Canada for non-essential travel. Entry to Canada will continue to be prohibited for travellers who are not fully vaccinated.

Learn more about arriving in Canada at a land border crossing here.

From an International Destination

Travel restrictions are in place across all ports of entry. The Canadian border is closed to most international travellers. You are allowed to enter Canada if you are a:

• Canadian citizen
• Permanent resident of Canada
• A temporary resident of Canada
• Protected person (refugee status)
• A person registered under the Indian Act
• Foreign national with a non-discretionary (non-optional) reason to travel to Canada

Federal Entry Requirements

Federal entry requirements and travel information change often.

Review federal COVID-19 travel, testing, quarantine and border information here.

Leaving BC

If you travel outside of B.C., do your research before you leave.

• If you are travelling to another province, review provincial and territorial restrictions.
• If you are travelling internationally, review federal travel advisories.