Canada announces strict new entry requirements
Canada is announcing strict new entry requirements for all international arrivals. The news comes as a new strain of COVID-19 first identified in the U.K. that spreads even more easily is showing up in more and more countries including Canada.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Canada will now require anyone arriving from outside the country to have a negative PCR test result to enter the country taken within three days of arrival.
That is in addition to a required two-week quarantine for all arrivals. Many countries are now requiring a negative COVID-19 test for arrivals, but a PCR test AND a quarantine are rare.
Canada's Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic Leblanc held a press conference Wednesday, Dec. 30 where the change was announced.
Canada has been extremely urgent in messaging around the pandemic, strongly advising against unnecessary travel. Americans have been banned from Canada since March. The border between the United States and Canada remains closed through at least Jan. 21, 2021.
Related: Canada keeping its border closed
The Canadian government says that the border will likely remain closed until COVID-19 cases stop climbing in the U.S.
Related: Crossing the Canadian border during the early days of the pandemic
Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said in a news conference in Ottawa, “We strongly advise against travel unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel, understand that upon your return, you must follow guidelines and quarantine for 14 days. It’s not just the right thing to do — it’s the law. And if you don’t, it can result in serious consequences.”
In fact, fines of up to $588,000 ($750K Canadian) are possible.
Most foreign nationals, including Americans, are not welcome except for those who have dual citizenship or are Canadian residents. Any foreigner attempting to enter Canada for reasons of tourism, recreation or entertainment will be turned away. Certain immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens are able to enter Canada with government authorization for a stay of 15 days or more and the required self-quarantine.
Related: When will international travel return? A country-by-country guide.
Additional reporting by Donna Heiderstadt.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 10X | Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site |
| 5X | Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas |
| 1X | Earn 1x points on all other purchases |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
The revamped Wander Card from Credit One Bank earns cardmembers up to 10 points per dollar spent on eligible travel purchases. With no foreign transaction fees, the card is also great for international travel. However, points earned from this card can only be used at a fixed value, so it may not be the best option for those striving to get maximum value from their rewards.Pros
- This card has no foreign transaction fees and earns up to 10 points per dollar on travel purchases through the Credit One Bank travel partner site.
Cons
- While cardholders can earn a significant amount of points on travel purchases, there isn't any way to redeem points from the Wander Card for maximum value (beyond 1 cent per point).
- Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days and redeem for a $100 statement credit, gift cards, or travel
- Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel site
- Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
- Earn 1x points on all other purchases
- Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
- With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
- If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
| 10X | Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site |
| 5X | Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas |
| 1X | Earn 1x points on all other purchases |
Intro Offer
Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days and redeem for a $100 statement credit, gift cards, or travelEarn 10,000 Bonus PointsAnnual Fee
$95Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Fair/Good
Why We Chose It
The revamped Wander Card from Credit One Bank earns cardmembers up to 10 points per dollar spent on eligible travel purchases. With no foreign transaction fees, the card is also great for international travel. However, points earned from this card can only be used at a fixed value, so it may not be the best option for those striving to get maximum value from their rewards.Pros
- This card has no foreign transaction fees and earns up to 10 points per dollar on travel purchases through the Credit One Bank travel partner site.
Cons
- While cardholders can earn a significant amount of points on travel purchases, there isn't any way to redeem points from the Wander Card for maximum value (beyond 1 cent per point).
- Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days and redeem for a $100 statement credit, gift cards, or travel
- Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel site
- Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
- Earn 1x points on all other purchases
- Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
- With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
- If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
- See Rates & Fees