Canada to Allow Quarantine-Free Entry for Travelers Fully Vaccinated with Sinopharm or Sinovac

Xinhua News Agency, Ottawa, November 19th, by reporter Baodong Li — The Canadian government announced on November 19th that starting from November 30th, travelers who have completed vaccination with China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation's Sinopharm, SINOVAC Biotech Ltd.'s CoronaVac, or Bharat Biotech International Limited's Covaxin will be allowed to enter Canada without the need for quarantine.

Previously, Canada only recognized four types of COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson.

Canadian Government’s Entry Policy Adjustment Bulletin Released on the 19th States: Starting from November 30, travelers who have completed vaccination with any of the above seven vaccines at least 14 days prior to entry will be considered fully vaccinated by the Canadian government. They should submit proof of vaccination and corresponding negative COVID-19 test results, but will not be required to quarantine or undergo testing on the eighth day after entry.

The Canadian government also stipulated that starting from November 30, travelers within Canada would need to be vaccinated. Negative test results will no longer serve as an alternative to vaccination unless the traveler is unable to receive the vaccine due to medical reasons.

The Canadian government also requires that, starting from January 15 next year, people who are currently exempt from travel restrictions will only be allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines recognized by Canada. This group includes people reuniting with family members, international students aged 18 or above, professional and amateur athletes, those holding valid work permits, and essential service providers such as truck drivers, etc. A few categories of unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreigners may still be allowed to enter Canada, including agricultural and food processing workers, sailors, refugees, and some individuals under the age of 18, but they must undergo testing, quarantine, and comply with other entry requirements. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreigners who are not exempted are prohibited from entering.