Fully vaccinated Canadians re-entering the country simply have to produce a negative test on arrival to avoid the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for! The new rules will come into effect on July 5 at 11.59pm EDT and  will only apply to those currently able to enter Canada.

“As we’ve told Canadians all along, easing measures at the border will happen as we see our communities increasingly become safe,” said Health Minister Patty Hajdu in announcing the new plan on Monday. “If you are planning to travel internationally this summer, remember to check the requirements of the country that you’re visiting.”

To be “fully vaccinated”, travellers must have two doses of a vaccine, these include: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Johnson & Johnson (one dose). Combinations of vaccines will have to be pre-approved by Health Canada and administered at least 14 days prior to travel.

How to navigate borders?

A new version of the ArriveCAN app will launch at the same time, which the public are being encouraged to download. The App is designed to store and share contact and quarantine information for those arriving back into Canada.

Travellers have to submit their vaccine information to the ArriveCan app before arrival to the border. They must also take a Covid test within 72 hours of arrival to the border, followed by a second test upon arrival. Travellers are also required to have a quarantine plan in place should the resulting test be positive.

What if I’m not “fully vaccinated”?

This first step in the “phased” reopening of international borders changes nothing for travellers yet to receive “fully vaccinated” status. These travellers must still abide by the full set of existing measures, including the three-night stay in a quarantine hotel and 14-day self-isolation.

“This is the first phase of our precautionary approach to easing Canada’s border measures. At this time we are not opening up our borders any further.” Dominic LeBlanc, minister of intergovernmental affairs.