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Canada's new vaccination travel requirements and what it means for you
Early this month, Transport Canada released new mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements for employees and travelers of federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors. The article states that effective October 30, in order to depart from Canadian airports, ride on Canadian marine vessels, or travel on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, you must be fully vaccinated.
As it takes two weeks to be considered fully vaccinated after receiving your final dose of a vaccine, there will be a transitionary period between October 30 – November 30. During this period, partially vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers will be permitted to travel if they’re able to show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel. This acts as an alternative to providing proof of full vaccination during this transitionary period and allows people to start or complete the vaccination process before they risk not qualifying for travel on November 30th.
What does it mean for me if I am vaccinated?
Domestic travelers should pay attention to the latest testing and quarantine requirements set out by the province they are visiting.
International travelers should pay attention to the latest testing and quarantine requirements set by the country they are visiting.
The Iridia Medical Collection Centre offers multiple tests needed for domestic or international travel from Vancouver. You can book your appointment today for an easy and convenient experience at the lowest market price.
What does it mean for me if I am partially vaccinated, or unvaccinated?
Between October 30th and November 30th, partially vaccinated and unvaccinated people may still travel within Canada, if they’re able to show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel. Iridia Medical offers two types of molecular testing that will grant travel access for non-fully vaccinated travelers during this time: the lab-based RT-PCR test and the LAMP ID NOW test.
The lab-based RT-PCR test is the gold standard of COVID-19 tests and has been widely used to test large populations throughout the pandemic. Results will return between 24-48 hours following testing.
The ID NOW is a molecular LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification) test that gives results in 30 minutes. If you are travelling domestically, this test will grant you access to travel during this period.
After November 30th, if you have yet to complete the vaccination process, you may not be granted the ability to travel via Canadian federally regulated air, marine and rail transportation services.
Book your test today or contact us if you have any questions.