As the world continues to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, many countries have begun lifting coronavirus travel restrictions. Thankfully, most of them have opened their borders to Canadian travellers as of August. So, which countries should you visit?
If you are wondering where to travel now, worry no more. In this guide, we’ll look at some countries that have loosened border restrictions to Canadian passport holders. The good news is that most international airlines have also relaunched their operations.
Pro Tip: As you prepare to travel to a foreign country, opt for currency exchange in downtown Toronto to exchange your money in advance and enjoy the best rates.
Countries Now Open for Canadian Travelers
Over fifty countries are accepting Canadian travelers currently. However, some states will require you to self-quarantine for some time upon arrival. Others will only require you to adhere to safety policies for Covid-19, like practicing social distancing.
Here are the countries accepting Canadians without requiring a quarantine period.
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Albania
In July 2020, Albania opened its borders officially to allow tourists from different places to visit without restrictions. There are no mandatory tests for Covid-19 upon arrival in the country. However, symptomatic travels might have to go for the tests.
Upon arrival in Albania, your body temperature will get measured. You’ll also have to practice social distancing and wear a mask. However, there’s no direct flight from Canada to Albania. But you can connect flights through other countries that have also opened their borders.
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Brazil
Brazil recently opened its borders to Canadian travelers without any restrictions. You only need to carry a valid visa and travel insurance that also covers Covid-19. The good news is that you can enter Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days.
There are no mandatory Covid-19 tests and quarantines for Canadians visiting Brazil. It is only your body temperature that will get measured at the airport. However, not all states in Brazil have reopened their airports for international flights.
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Costa Rica
If you’ve been waiting to travel to Costa Rica, the time has come. Costa Rica has reopened, and Canadian passport holders can now visit anytime. However, you’ll have to provide proof of a negative PCR Covid-19 test. You must have received the results within 48 hours before travelling to the country.
Another requirement to enter Costa Rica is travel insurance that also takes care of your medical expenses. It should also take care of the costs you’ll incur when you unexpectedly extend your stay in a hotel. Remember to follow all the local health protocols, including wearing masks.
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Croatia
Renowned for its historic cities, Croatia is one of the most attractive countries in the world. Thankfully, it has reopened its borders for Canadian travellers. But before you enter the country, you’ll have to present a 48-hour negative PCR-test.
Some of the attractions you’ll find in Croatia include Dubrovnik Old Town Walls, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Kornati National Park, and Zlatni Rat Beach. Remember to observe all the health protocols put in place, like social distancing.
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Ecuador
Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Ecuador is a must-place visit. All the international airports in the country are now open, and tourists from different countries can now enter without quarantine. Canadians are no exception!
One of the requirements to enter Ecuador is a negative PCR test result not older than ten days before arrival. No visa is required when you plan to stay in the country for less than 90 days. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Canada to Ecuador.
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Mexico
Another country that has reopened to Canadian travelers is Mexico. In fact, it never even closed its borders for Canadians right from the start of the pandemic. Mexico doesn’t require any tests from travellers, making it a smart choice for most tourists. However, you must bring travel insurance that also covers Covid-19.
Incredibly, most tourist destinations in Mexico have reopened, including Playa Del Carmen, Cancun, Los Carbos, and Puerto Vallarta. Most hotels and beaches in these cities have also resumed their operations. However, social distancing and wearing masks are mandatory.
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Romania
Romania has been open to many tourists from various parts of the world, including Canadians. Incredibly, the country has declared Canada a “Green Zone.” So, no Canadian is required to undergo Covid-19 tests upon arrival in the country.
Although Romania has reopened its borders for Canadians, there is no direct flight from Canada to Romania. You’ll have to connect flights to travel to Romania. Don’t forget to bring travel insurance that covers Covid-19.
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Honduras
Honduras is a popular tourist destination for most Canadians. The good news is, the country has reopened its borders for Canadian travelers as of August 17. However, you must carry a negative Covid-19 test result taken within 72 hours.
Some of the Honduras attractions include Cusuco National Park, Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences, and Copán Ruins Archeological Site. Unfortunately, direct flights from Toronto to Honduras have not resumed yet, but you can connect flights through NYC.
Some of the other countries that have reopened for Canadians as of August include:
- Netherlands
- Malta
- Luxemburg
- Maldives
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Jordan
- Iceland
- Jamaica
- Granada
Final Words
Now that you know some of the countries that have already reopened for Canadian travelers, you can go ahead to prepare your itinerary. When you reach your destination, remember to wear masks and practice social distancing when in public. However, you’ll have to self-quarantine for 14 days when you return to Canada.
