Anyone planning international travel should do their research
The federal government has been gradually reopening the Canadian border and easing travel restrictions since August, but confusion remains around what is required when booking an international trip and whether you should.
After the U.S. announced it will reopen its land border to Canadians many are once again planning their international getaway.
But before they do, the director of Government Relations with CAA Insurance, Elliott Silverstein says people need to take the necessary precautions, because we remain under a level three Global Affairs Travel Advisory.
“Depending on where you travel to -- you need to understand what the requirements are of your destination because, unlike typical travel, the rules may vary depending on your destination. So it’s about understanding the requirements of where you are headed to, but also the requirements about heading back to Canada because, again, there are requirements about testing and when it needs to be done.”
Canadians returning to the country from international travel are required to provide a molecular PCR test that could cost up to $200 and must be taken within 72 hours of their return travel.
Silverstein says things are very fluid and it’s also vital that you know what’s covered with your travel insurance.
“It’s important to understand what the restrictions are…are there exemptions, do you qualify for everything? I think in the past people were willing to take greater risks -- I think now it’s really important to take time, read the fine print.”
Meantime, the Middlesex-London Health Unit says travel outside of Canada remains risky and advises that people follow the guidance of the federal government, Health Canada and the travel advisories that are issued.
“Especially outside of Canada, you can’t be as certain of the rate of illness that is publicly reported. Many countries don’t have the same testing infrastructure that we do, so particularly if you are travelling in developing countries, you don’t really know for sure how much COVID there is, and it’s quite possible that the rates are actually quite high,” says Dr. Chris Mackie.
And if you had plans to book an international flight out of the London International Airport, CEO Mike Seabrook tells CTV News London they are still not authorized for international flights.
As a result, 14 Sunwing flights have already been cancelled for the month of December.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife’s edge.
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
Have you been removed from your family doctor’s patient list for visiting an Ontario walk-in clinic?
Some Ontarians are expressing frustration after they said that they were removed from their family doctor’s patient list for visiting a walk-in clinic in a process being called “de-rostering.”