Canada Announces Vaccine Mandate for Air, Rail and Cruise Travelers

Image: Air Canada plane. (photo via Air Canada Media)
Image: Air Canada plane. (photo via Air Canada Media)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:28 PM ET, Thu October 7, 2021

The Canadian government announced Wednesday that domestic and international travelers arriving in the country via commercial flight, train or cruise ship must be fully vaccinated.

According to the official website of Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that all travelers 12 years of age and older entering or departing the country via federally regulated modes of transportation must be fully vaccinated by October 30.

Tourists and residents who have only received one coronavirus vaccine shot will be able to provide a negative COVID test during a transition period that ends on November 30.

The updated vaccination protocols are applicable on all domestic and international flights, travelers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains and passengers on cruise ships scheduled to sail for 24 hours or more.

The only exception to the rule would be emergency travel and those medically unable to be vaccinated. The new mandate will also include other accommodations for people from remote communities to ensure they can travel for essential services.

For employees working in the transportation sector, the Canadian government announced they must be vaccinated by October 30. The move applies to airlines, airports-including concession and hospitality workers-railways, rail crew, track employees and marine operators.

Transport Canada will enforce the new measures through inspections.

For the latest insight on travel to Canada, check out this interactive guide:



For the latest travel news, updates, and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...
Watch Now!
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...
Watch Now!
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...