As of June 1, the majority of COVID-related restrictions have been lifted throughout most of Canada. In British Columbia, there are no mask mandates or limits on gatherings, and the requirement to show proof of vaccination at non-essential businesses is no longer required by the Province of British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.
To cross the border, anyone entering Canada must download and use the Government of Canada’s ArriveCan app. It is available to use on the web, as well as for iOS and Android devices in the AppStore or Google Play. It is available in English, French and Spanish.
The ArriveCan app is mandatory for anyone entering Canada by air, land, rail or marine vessel (including cruise ships), and you must submit your information within 72 hours of your planned arrival to Canada. You cannot submit if you are not yet within the 72-hour window of arrival.
If you are arriving via a marine vessel other than a cruise ship, check that your marine port of entry is open. You may be able to submit your information when you arrive, to accommodate for lack of Wi-Fi on the water.
The ArriveCan app collects your contact information and travel details, vaccination details, COVID test results (if required for entry) and a quarantine plan (if required).
It is easy to use, and once you have completed the steps, which takes around 10 minutes once you have all of your information handy, the app will give you a QR code or a receipt you can print.
Staff members in some hospitality businesses may be wearing masks for the comfort of guests, and plexiglass barriers may still be present in high-traffic public areas such as hotel check-in desks or retail stores.
Businesses may use their discretion regarding mask use. They are required to be wore in most health care settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, walk-in clinics and various health practitioners.
Resources
- Government of Canada — travel.gc.ca/travel-covid
- Government of British Columbia — www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/travel/current
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