
Global Travel Restrictions and Reopening Dates
Last Updated June 15, 2020
For many Canadians, their most exciting adventure over the past couple of months has been a trip to the grocery store. But now provinces and many countries are easing restrictions so many people are considering traveling again. Here is what you need to know…
Can Canadians travel now?
Yes, but with many conditions to consider. On March 13, the federal government issued an official travel advisory against all international travel to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The travel advisory remains in effect until further notice. Despite the travel advisory, Canadians can still travel abroad. However, flight options are extremely limited and travel insurance will not cover COVID-19 related illnesses. You will also have to self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to Canada. The Canada-U.S. border remains closed to non-essential travel until June 21st. That date could be extended if the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise.
Can I get travel insurance?
As of today, you can still purchase travel insurance, but it will not cover COVID-19 related illnesses while the travel advisory is in effect. When Canada lifts its advisory against international travel, travel insurance providers may continue to exclude coverage for COVID-19 related illnesses until there is a vaccine. Canada’s major insurance companies are actively monitoring the situation and re-evaluating their polices and conditions going forward.
What about flights?
WestJet has grounded all transborder and international routes until June 25th. Air Transat and Sunwing have stopped flying altogether until June 30th and June 25th, respectively. Air Canada is currently flying at about five per cent of its capacity. On Friday, the airline announced an updated summer schedule that offers flights to 97 destinations including Rome, Athens and locations in the Caribbean. It is expected that international air travel will return to about 20 percent by the fall of 2020 and increase from there pending the global spread of COVID-19.
Where can you travel and what are the restrictions?
While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here is an update on some of the countries that are most popular with Canadian travelers:
Traveling in North America
Traveling to Europe
Traveling to the Caribbean
Traveling to Central America
Traveling Globally
Where and When You Can Travel in 2020
JUNE 2020
Bahrain – June 10, 2020
Bulgaria – June 10, 2020
Qatar – June 10, 2020
Greece – June 15, 2020
Germany – June 15, 2020
Austria – June 15, 2020
Azerbaijan – June 15, 2020
Czech Republic – June 15, 2020
Switzerland – June 15, 2020
Japan – June 15, 2020
Republic of Northern Macedonia – June 15, 2020
Lithuania – June 15, 2020
Hungary – June 15, 2020
Poland – June 15, 2020
Romania – June 15, 2020
Serbia – June 15, 2020
Netherlands – June 20, 2020
Kazakhstan – June 20, 2020
Albania – June 22, 2020
Bosnia and Herzegovina – June 22, 2020
Denmark – June 22, 2020
Estonia – June 22, 2020
Finland – June 22, 2020
South Korea – June 22, 2020
Ireland – June 22, 2020
Kyrgyzstan – June 22, 2020
Latvia – June 22, 2020
Norway – June 22, 2020
Slovakia – June 22, 2020
JULY 2020
Australia – July 1, 2020
Belgium – July 1, 2020
Belarus – July 1, 2020
China (Beijing only) – July 1, 2020
Sweden – July 1, 2020
Canada – July 1, 2020
Colombia – July 1, 2020
Kosovo – July 1, 2020
Malaysia – July 1, 2020
Moldova – July 1, 2020
Uzbekistan – July 1, 2020
Taiwan – July 1, 2020
Turkmenistan – July 1, 2020
Ukraine – July 1, 2020
Indonesia – July 10, 2020
India – July 10, 2020
Pakistan – July 10, 2020
Algeria – July 15, 2020
Morocco – July 15, 2020
Philippines – July 15, 2020
South Africa – July 15, 2020
Georgia – July 15, 2020
United Kingdom – July 15, 2020
Israel – July 15, 2020
Kuwait – July 15, 2020
Libya – July 15, 2020
Lebanon – July 15, 2020
Russia – July 15, 2020
Jordan – July 15, 2020
USA – Land Border Closed Until July 21, 2020, No Restrictions on Air Travel
AUGUST 2020
Brazil – August 1, 2020
Armenia – August 1, 2020
France – August 1, 2020
Iraq – August 1, 2020
Iran – August 1, 2020
Spain – August 1, 2020
Italy – August 1, 2020
Egypt – August 1, 2020
Saudi Arabia – August 1, 2020
Tunisia – August 1, 2020
Travel restrictions are changing every day as countries reopen businesses and adjust to the changing environment. Please continue to follow us to stay up to date on the latest changes. We will update this page as travel restrictions and advisories are changed.