Canada welcomed over one million travellers in a week
From April 11 to 17, the Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) welcomed more than one million travellers into the country. This is the first time in two years that travel volumes have skyrocketed.
- Number of travellers in past years
- Travel requirements and exemptions
- Who is considered fully vaccinated?
- Let us help!
Number of travellers in past years
| Year | Week of the Easter long weekend | Number of travellers |
| 2020 | April 6 to 12 | 126,759 |
| 2021 | March 29 to April 4 | 214,055 |
| 2022 | April 11 to 17 | 1,053,523 |
As you can see, there is a significant jump during Easter 2022 compared to previous years. CBSA only saw 126,759 people crossing the border in 2020, and in 2021 saw 214,055 travellers.
According to the CBSA, travellers returning to the border this spring and summer should keep in mind that things look a bit different. Further, new requirements have shifted management, which can result in delays during peak periods. However, the CBSA is working to mitigate these long border wait times.
“The CBSA invests significant effort annually to plan and prepare for various peak periods,” said the CBSA in a news release.
The Canadian Border Service Agency is using ‘analysis of projected trends’ to ensure alignment to service needs. Moreover, the CBSA has established modern processes such as:
- the International-to-Domestic program,
- the International-to-International program, also
- primary Inspection Kiosks, and
- the free ArriveCAN App and website.
These processes are improving the traveller experience and managing volumes. The programs also significantly decrease connection times. Of course, travellers can also help to reduce wait times.
Travellers can reduce wait times by coming prepared with their passport, or other acceptable identification) and by completing their mandatory ArriveCAN submission, including their COVID-19 vaccination information, within 72 hours before arriving at the border.
Travel requirements and exemptions
Starting April 1, 2022, pre-entry tests are no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada by land, air or water. However, travellers must still use ArriveCAN within 72 hours before their arrival in Canada.
Please be aware that foreign nationals who don’t qualify as fully vaccinated will only be allowed to enter in specific circumstances. You can find out if you can enter Canada in the following link: https://bit.ly/3veInSZ
Who is considered fully vaccinated?
A fully vaccinated traveller means you must have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 accepted vaccine or at least one dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Currently, Canada accepts the following vaccines:
- AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria, AZD1222).
- Bharat Biotech (Covaxin, BBV152 A, B, C).
- Janssen/Johnson & Johnson.
- Moderna (Spikevax, mRNA-1273) including for children 6 to 11 years old. In addition,
- Novavax (NVX-COV2373, Nuvaxovid, Covovax).
- Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2) including for children 5 to 11.
- Sinopharm BIBP (BBIBP-CorV). Also,
- Sinovac (CoronaVac, PiCoVacc).
You are also considered fully vaccinated if you have had a mix of two accepted COVID-19 vaccines. Of course, you must have had the second dose at least 14 days before entering Canada.
Let us help!
If you have general questions about how to enter Canada, fill out the following form. You can also book an appointment for official advice about travelling to Canada or other immigration subjects. Additionally, you can fill out our free assessment form.
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