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Flying in Canada? You’ll have to be fully vaccinated even if you’re traveling domestically

Oct. 06, 2021
3 min read
Flying in Canada? You’ll have to be fully vaccinated even if you’re traveling domestically
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As the United States debates whether to require air travelers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, our neighbor to the north just implemented a sweeping vaccination policy for travel.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Oct. 6 that all people 12 and older traveling by rail or air in Canada must be fully vaccinated before boarding. This is not entirely new, as I reported back in August that Canada would require proof of vaccination for air and rail travel. But what is new is that travelers finally have a date for when the order goes into effect: Oct. 30.

Travelers leaving from Canadian airports, as well as those traveling by Via Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will be required to be fully vaccinated, with very limited exceptions. Those exceptions, the government says, include those in remote, fly-in communities, emergency travel and exceptional medical reasons.

Trudeau also said a “short transition period” when unvaccinated travelers will be able to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test would end on Nov. 30.

"Vaccines are the best way to keep each other safe," Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said in the statement. "Requiring travellers and employees to be vaccinated ensures that everyone who travels and works in the transportation industry will better protect each other and keep Canadians safe.”

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The news comes just two months after Canada reopened to vaccinated Americans after a 17-month border closure. Americans who are fully vaccinated can finally enter Canada for tourism or other nonessential purposes by air and land so long as they pack a negative PCR test. The U.S. will reopen for vaccinated international air travelers in November, but notably, the land border between the U.S. and Canada remains shut except for essential reasons.

The U.S. is mired in its own debate about requiring proof of vaccination for domestic travel, which is gaining steam in Washington.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat from California, introduced a bill last week that would require all passengers on domestic flights to be fully vaccinated or have proof they’ve recently tested negative or have fully recovered from COVID-19. And the White House’s top infectious disease expert said in September he would support a vaccine mandate for domestic air travel.

For now, the White House doesn't appear to be close to mandating vaccines for travel.

Several airlines have already begun requiring their employees to be vaccinated or have a medical or religious exemption. Those who don’t comply with the order face termination.

But as I’ve written before, requiring proof of vaccination in the U.S. would likely get backlash from the travel industry, which has long pushed back against any mandate. However, even if the industry isn’t keen on the idea, several studies indicate most Americans are.

Featured image by (Photo by JL IMAGES / Shutterstock.com)
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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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

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    $125
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    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.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.