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Canada urges citizens to avoid all nonessential international travel, just days before Christmas

Dec. 16, 2021
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2 min read
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Canada urges citizens to avoid all nonessential international travel, just days before Christmas
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Canada has advised all citizens to avoid nonessential travel outside of the country due to the omicron variant, thereby requesting travelers to reconsider any upcoming holiday travel plans just one week from Christmas.

"The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, to avoid non-essential travel internationally," the Canadian government said in a press release on Dec. 15, while warning those who decide to proceed with travel "may have difficulty returning to Canada, or may have to remain abroad for an indeterminate period."

Although Canada remains open to international travelers, including Americans, Canadian entry requirements may change without notice, as is the case with other countries.

"Local authorities abroad may impose control measures suddenly, including movement restrictions such as lockdowns," Canadian government officials said in a statement. "In some countries, you may have limited access to timely and appropriate health care should you become ill."

Currently, fully vaccinated U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Canada by air by submitting results of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of entry and by uploading their vaccination proof digitally in ArriveCan.

Even so, "the final determination will be made by a government official at the port of entry," according to the Canadian government. Air travelers may be subject to a mandatory randomized test upon arrival as well.

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Testing requirements do not currently apply to those crossing into Canada via a land border.

Also on Thursday, France announced a temporary ban on travel by French citizens to or from the United Kingdom.

Related: Traveling to Canada during the pandemic — what's it like?

Featured image by Bloomberg via Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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