In order to protect Canadian citizens from the risk of COVID-19, Government requires all travelers to provide proof of taking accepted vaccines in Canada. This requirement applies to visitors with visas, study visas and work permits. Permanent residents and returning citizens are also required to show evidence of approved vaccines in order to enter Canada from another country. There are a number of vaccines that are accepted in Canada for international travel. In this blog post, we will list all of the accepted vaccines for travelers entering Canada in 2022!
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Importance of proof of vaccination in Canada:
Proof of vaccination is required for all travelers entering Canada, regardless of their country of origin. This is an important measure to protect Canadian citizens from the risk of COVID-19. The list of accepted vaccines may change over time, so it is important to check with the Canadian government website; particularly, travel.gc.ca for the latest information.
Right now there are many vaccines out there, but not all of the vaccines are accepted in Canada for travelers living or returning into the country. You need to have the right vaccine, whether you are coming into Canada for study, visit or immigrating as a permanent resident. Citizens are not exempted, everyone of age needs to be fully vaccinated!
Where to check list of accepted vaccines in Canada
The Federal Government has released official list of all the approved vaccines for travelers entering Canada, effective since December 15, 2021 for all travelers coming into Canada in 2022. Canada’s official travel website, travel.gc.ca has all information regarding mandatory travel advisory and information for first time and returning travelers to Canada. That website stated that Travelers are eligible to enter or return to Canada if they qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler.
Who is a fully vaccinated traveler?
To qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler to Canada, you must:
1. have received at least 2 doses of accepted vaccines in Canada for travel, a mix of 2 accepted vaccines or at least 1 dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
2. have received your second dose (of accepted vaccines in Canada) at least 15 calendar days before you enter the country.
Example: if your second dose was anytime on Thursday July 1, then Friday July 16 would be the first day that you meet the 15 day condition.
3. have no signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
4. follow pre-entry testing and entry requirements.
5. upload proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN website.
6. complete your ArriveCAN submission and and have ArriveCAN receipt with letter I, V, or A beside your name.
7. complete arrival test and quarantine if selected.
8. monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for the 14 days after entry into Canada.
9. if you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek advice from local public health.
For more information about vaccination requirements, please see the Pre-entry testing and ArriveCAN requirements checklist on the government website. Now, back to the list of accepted vaccines in Canada.
Approved list of accepted vaccines in Canada
The following are best seven (7) vaccines accepted in Canada and consequently valid for use as approved COVID-19 vaccines for the purpose of travel to and within Canada:
- AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria, AZD1222)
- Bharat Biotech (Covaxin, BBV152 A, B, C)
- Janssen/Johnson & Johnson
- Moderna (mRNA-1273)
- Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2)
- Sinopharm BIBP (BBIBP-CorV)
- Sinovac (CoronaVac, PiCoVacc)
A reminder that to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler, you must have received, at least 15 calendar days by the day you travel:
- at least 2 doses of a vaccine accepted by the Government of Canada for the purpose of travel.
or a mix of 2 accepted vaccines. - or at least 1 dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
What if your proof of vaccine is in another language other than English?
- If your proof of vaccination is not in English or French, you need a certified translation in English or French.
- Your certified translation must include the stamp or membership number of a professional translation association.
- Keep both the original proof of vaccination and the certified translation with you while you travel.
- If your proof of vaccination doesn’t meet all of the requirements, it will be considered invalid. You will not qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler.
- Also note that Canada do not accept partial vaccination or people who recovered from COVID-19 with only one dose of approved vaccine.
COVID-19 Testing in Canada Airport
Depending on situations, most travelers will be required to undergo a COVID-19 testing in Canada upon landing from another country. When that is the case, please follow the directions you receive on arrival to complete your test:
If you were directed to a testing service at the airport, you are required to register with the testing service provider, and the provider will collect your sample; they will notify you of your test result within 72 hours.
If you are provided with a self-swab kit, use the instructions in the kit to complete it within 24 hours of entering Canada, and arrange for it to be picked up as directed in the kit.
Your arrival test results
Once you receive a negative test, proceed with your connecting flight to your destination of choice in Canada. Travelers with positive test results MUST quarantine and monitor for symptoms for 14 days after arrival. Children under 12 years of age need no testing or proof of vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
Does Canada accept mixed vaccines?
Yes, unlike some countries that do not accept mixed vaccines, Canada is okay with having a combination of more than one particular vaccine. A statement of this on Canada’s official travel website is below:
You must have received at least 2 doses of an accepted vaccine, or a mix of 2 accepted vaccines, or at least 1 dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler and be allowed to enter Canada. – Travel.gc.ca
What are FDA Approved Vaccines in Canada?
The US Food and Drug Administration approved many vaccines for use in travel between US-Canada and other countries. The list of FDA Approved Covid vaccines are as follows:
- Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty®) — 2 doses
- Moderna (Spikevax) — 2 doses
- Johnson & Johnson/Janssen — single dose
Also, the following WHO-approved (emergency use listing, EUL) vaccines are accepted for meeting COVID-19 vaccine requirements in the US. US-Travelers to Canada may use these, subject to acceptance in Canada (see Canada’s approved list above):
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria)
- Covovax™
- Covishield™
- Covaxin®
- Nuvaxovid™ (Novavax)
- Sinovac (CoronaVac)
- Sinopharm/BIBP
What is COVID Vaccine Acceptance Rate in Canada?
A representative number of Canadian residents still have their concerns about the taking the vaccines. However, once the herd accepts, mandatory forcible vaccination became effective. As it stands, travelers in and out of Canada must meet the requirements stated above.
Where can I do COVID-19 Test in Canada?
Each province have many centers for testing, quarantine arrangements and vaccination. Please check with any of the following provinces: British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Quebec.
We hope our list accepted vaccines in Canada for travelers entering or leaving Canada is informative enough. Do let us know if you have any questions. Also check out some useful links within out website.
