Travel over the past year has been a whirlwind. Changing restrictions and new safety measures have made international travel a difficult maze of new rules depending on the airport or country you arrive in. Luckily, for travelers coming into Canada, there is some clarity.
COVID-19 definitely disrupted many plans in 2020, but after a year of dealing with this novel virus, Canadian governments and travel institutions can now offer better guidelines for international travel.
Here are seven measures you should know when visiting Canada as we deal with the COVID-19 global pandemic.
1. Masks and Face Coverings
This is the big one.
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, travelers entering Canada through major ports, including airports, transit stations, etc., must wear masks/face coverings at all times.
At Pearson Airport in Toronto, this includes the pre-and post-security screening areas of the terminals, parking facilities, people mover train, sidewalks/curbs outside the terminals, and other outdoor public areas.
There are several special exceptions to this rule in effect. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, you are exempt from the rule provided you have a note from a medical doctor that certifies that you are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons.
2. COVID-19 Testing Before and Upon Arrival
As of February 21, 2021, air travelers will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test upon landing in Canada. This testing can occur at the airport or later during their mandatory quarantine period in either a designated quarantine facility or at a suitable place of quarantine.
Before leaving the airport, travelers will also receive a COVID-19 test kit or instructions for taking their test later during their mandatory 14-day quarantine period.
3. Mandatory Quarantine Period
When first coming to Canada, there is a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period for international travelers and social distancing precautions for everyone.
For those coming from specific international hot spots, travelers are to go to a pre-booked hotel while they await the results of their arrival test.
If the test is negative, travelers will continue their quarantine in their home, short-term rental, or designated residence and complete their test kit as instructed.
However, if positive, travelers will be relocated to a designated quarantine facility or other suitable places of quarantine until medically released.
4. Social Distancing Measures
Apart from wearing masks and constant hand-washing, maintaining social distancing when possible is how we can help combat this pandemic.
Many stores, public venues, and restaurants will have limited sitting or restrictions to how many patrons they can accommodate at a time. Keep this in mind when making plans for outings as there might be longer than usual waiting times or queues for shopping.
At DelSuites, your short-term rental allows you to maintain social distancing and have a home away from home. Guests can enjoy premium amenities like a personal kitchen and high-speed internet, so their stay is comfortable and stress-free.
5. Pre-Booked Hotel Upon Arrival
Before departure to Canada, air travelers will need to reserve a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel. These new measures are in addition to existing mandatory pre-boarding and health requirements for air travelers with limited exemptions.
Also, the Government of Canada has announced new travel restrictions, including a suspension of flights to Mexico and the Caribbean from January 31, 2021, to April 30, 2021. New testing and quarantine requirements are also evolving with developments in the pandemic on public health.
6. Restrictions for Meeters and Greeters at the Airport
Are you heading back home? Make sure to say your goodbyes before reaching the airport.
To maintain social distancing and limit high-volume traffic, many major airports have limited terminal access to passengers traveling on the same day and airport employees on duty. Meeters and greeters or those dropping friends and loved ones off at the airport won’t be able to enter the terminals.
7. Stay-At-Home Orders
In some COVID-19 hotspots, government bodies have implemented more strict social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus and its newly emerging variants.
Depending on the city you are traveling to, make sure to be prepared and informed of possible stay-at-home orders. This preparation can dramatically alter your trip and how you can spend your time in the country.
8. Providing a Safe, Secure, and Cozy Home Away From Home
Traveling to any country can be stressful, especially during COVID-19. With so many restrictions, it can be hard to fully enjoy your trip. However, having a temporary home with DelSuites’ short-term rentals can make all the difference.
When it comes to travel security and safety, you can be confident you are in good hands. Protecting our guests and associates is our number one priority. Along with abiding by government public health guidelines, we ensure that we are keeping on top of standards of cleanliness and hygiene to keep everyone safe, no matter where you are traveling from.
Right from check-in, you can enjoy fully furnished living spaces and round-the-clock reliable and high-quality customer service. Despite this new normal, our strong in-house maintenance team and trusted security make it their mission to take care of you and your well-being so you can focus on getting the most out of your stay in Toronto and surrounding GTA.
Visiting Canada? Find Your Next Short-Term Rental With DelSuites
Don’t let COVID-19 get you down. Even with some limited activities, Toronto always finds a way to entertain whenever you are here. And whatever you choose, you can be confident you have a comfortable and safe place to call home at the end of the day with DelSuites. Visit our website to find your perfect short-term rental in Toronto today.
