Are you an Australian who has had plans of backpacking Canada either for studies or for work?
If answered yes, the pandemic must have wreaked havoc on your plans. Well, it goes without mentioning that COVID-19 has brought forth bizarre changes to immigration in Canada. For Australians thinking of traveling to Canada, read on to know more about the rules and regulations of entering the country.
As updated on 24th February 2021 and still current on 17th May 2021, foreign visitors are not allowed to enter Canada for non-important reasons. As per the rules, if you’re entering Canada by air or land, you’ll require submitting contact and travel details digitally through the ArriveCan website before you board a flight or cross the border.
In case you’re arriving by air, you also have to provide a negative RT-PCR test on arrival at Canada airport. Before you depart from Australia, you also require reserving a 3-night stay at any government-authorized hotel and you have to bear the cost.
Visa Requirements for Traveling to Canada
Since the COVID-19 pandemic situation has worsened, visa rules have altered. Every territory or country has the right to decide who can exit and enter their borders. So, you have to check your nearest embassy, immigration department, or consulate.
Aussies holding a passport should apply for Canada ETA for Australian citizen or the Electronic Travel Authorization before backpacking Canada through the air. In case you travel to Canada by bus or car or boat or train, you won’t require an ETA or a visitor visa. However, you will certainly require the appropriate travel papers.
If you stay for a longer time than what your visa permits, you will be arrested or detained. In case you’re traveling with children or with your pet, you will require documentation. Make sure you check things with the CBSA or the Canada Border Services Agency.
Travel Restrictions for Australians Traveling to Canada
It has almost been a year since the majority of the Aussies were banned from stepping into Canada due to several restrictions imposed to fight the surge of Coronavirus. This ban has not only affected Australians but several other foreign nationals. Let’s take a look at the following groups that can cross the Canada border both by land and by air.
- Canadian permanent residents and Canadian citizens
- Family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents
- Long-term partners and extended family members of Canadian citizens
- Family members of temporary residents of Canada who have a written permission from IRCC
- International students attending DLI or Designated Learning Institution
- COPR holders with valid COPR who reside in any nation apart from the US
- Those who have been granted special allowance to entre Canada for compassionate purposes
What to Do After Entering Canada
Each and every traveler entering Canada has to mandatorily complete the 14-day quarantine period, even though you may have tested negative before arrival.
Travelers, whether traveling via land, air, or sea, into Canada should offer vital details through ArriveCAN or call the number 1-833-641-0343 to confirm that you’ve arrived at the given address which was given to you for isolation or quarantine. You also have to complete your everyday COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during the quarantine period.
The decision to travel to Canada or any other country is your choice and hence you’re solely responsible for your safety. We put in our best efforts to give you accurate information on the rules and regulations of the country. The Government of Canada won’t assume responsibility and won’t be liable for any damage in relation to the details provided by you.
If you’ve completed your vaccination, there are no such special measures to exempt people like you from entering Canada. However, please check the details with the four airports in Canada.