Border vaccination rules, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, mask mandates on planes and trains end October 1

The federal government is dropping its COVID-19 measures at the border, which means travelers will no longer need to provide proof of vaccinations when entering Canada or wear masks on planes and trains, announced Ottawa today.

The lifting of the restrictions will come into effect on October 1.

According to the announcement, all travelers, regardless of nationality, will no longer have to:

• Submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
• Provide proof of vaccination;
• undergo testing before or upon arrival;
• Perform quarantine or isolation related to COVID-19;
• Monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival in Canada;
• Submit to health checks for air and rail travel;
• Or wear masks on planes and trains.

Last week, a group of MPs and mayors from border towns released an open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden asking them to end « unnecessary » border rules, a move they say , would allow border communities to recover economically from the pandemic.

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra and other government officials will make the announcement at 8:30 a.m. ET. CBC News will broadcast it live.