Canada Removes All COVID Travel Restrictions
Canada Removes All COVID Travel Restrictions
Published : 03-Oct-2022 09:18
Canada has removed all restrictions on incoming travel, removing restrictions put in place due to the pandemic.
The country had previous re-opened its borders more than a year ago, but then re-introduced random testing in the summer at a limited number of international airports including those most used by skiers such as Vancouver for West Coast resorts like Whistler Blackcomb, Calgary for Alberta ski areas like Banff and Lake Louise and Montreal for Mont Tremblant.
Prior to the re-introduction advance sales of ski holidays for 22-23 to Canada had been strong, but a number of leading holiday companies including Inghams reported sales slowed once the reintroduction was announced.
Now however all COVID-19 restrictions for travellers have been dropped, as of the start of October. You no longer need to be vaccinated nor to wear a facemask on flights or trains. No evidence of vaccination or any other vaccine-status related documentation is required.
The Canadian government cited improving conditions with better vaccines available and 90% of Canadians now being at least partially vaccinated. A government minister said they sincerely hoped no new restrictions would be needed from now on.
Canadian airline Westjet issued a press statement saying:
"As Canadians and international visitors look to make travel plans, the long-awaited removal of all remaining measures effective Oct. 1, 2022 will further expedite recovery for our industry and the Canadian economy."
Elsewhere in the ski travel world, Japan says it will allow independent travellers in from 11th October for the first time in more than two-and-a-half years although evidence of vaccination or of a recent negative PCR test will be required if unvaccinated.
The USA continues to ban unvaccinated arrivals, unless US Passport holders, although there are rumours this requirement will soon be dropped.
"Canada is already getting notice by Brits booking next winter, with all restrictions gone. If the rumours about the US dropping all entry requirements are true, we expect a flood of Colorado lovers to start booking big-name favourites like Breckenridge and Vail too," said Richard Sinclair of http://www.sno.co.uk
Canada's 22-23 ski season is expected to begin in a month's time with lake Louise targeting November 4th as their 'tentative' opening day if mother nature plays ball. Other Alberta ski areas Banff Norquay, Sunshine and Nakiska all usually open around then as well but are yet to name their target opening dates.
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