The Canadian government has confirmed that effective June 20 proof of vaccination will no longer be required for domestic and outbound travellers. Vaccination proof will still be required to enter the country and to board cruise ships in Canada.

“While the suspension of vaccine mandates reflects an improved public health situation in Canada, the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve and circulate in Canada and globally,” the federal government said in a statement. “Given this context, and because vaccination rates and virus control in other countries varies significantly, current vaccination requirements at the border will remain in effect.”

Other public health measures, such as wearing a mask, continue to apply and will be enforced throughout a traveller’s journey on a plane or train.

Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents returning from international destinations who do not qualify for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption will continue to be required to provide a valid pre-entry test result, remain subject to Day 1 and Day 8 molecular testing, and quarantine for 14 days.

In addition, all travellers entering Canada are still required to input their mandatory information in ArriveCAN within 72 hours before their arrival in Canada.

Travellers who arrive without completing their ArriveCAN submission may also be subject to Day 1, Day 8 molecular testing, quarantine for 14 days, and to fines or other enforcement actions, regardless of their vaccination status.

Vaccine requirements for entry into Canada by foreign nationals remain unchanged at this time. Foreign nationals who are not fully vaccinated continue to be prohibited entry into Canada.

Regarding cruise travel, the government stated: “Given the unique nature of cruise ships, including the fact that passengers are in close contact with each other for extended periods of time, vaccination against COVID-19 is still required for passengers and crew on cruise ships.”

Also effective June 20, employers in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine sectors will no longer be required to have mandatory vaccination policies in place for employees.

The government says 32 million eligible Canadians have been vaccinated against COVID-19. It cited this accomplishment, along with the epidemiologic situation and modelling -- stabilization of infection and hospitalizations across the country – as key reasons for the relaxation of requirements.