TORONTO — Canada’s mandatory vaccinations, testing and quarantine of international travellers is slated to expire on Sept. 30. The expiry also marks the end of the ArriveCan app to input vaccine status and test results, however, the app will still be available as an optional tool for Customs and Immigration. Mask mandates on domestic and international trains and planes will also come to an end.

Under current rules, Canadians returning to the country who aren’t vaccinated must show a negative COVID-19 test result before arriving, and undergo further testing after arrival. They also must quarantine for 14 days. Additionally, unvaccinated foreigners are banned from entering Canada unless they are airline or boat crew members, are seeking essential medical treatment or are diplomats and temporary foreign workers. Vaccinated travellers, on the other hand, could be selected for random COVID-19 testing, and requires travellers to submit their proof of vaccination and test results electronically through the ArriveCan app.

Travel-and-tourism advocates have been calling for change with the ArriveCan app for several months, arguing the app has negatively impacted Canada’s travel and tourism sectors and severely limited economic opportunities needed to re-build them.

“We are thrilled to hear of the upcoming end of border testing and the ArriveCan app,” says Tony Elenis, president and CEO of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association. “This barrier removal will support much needed efficiencies to increase visitation into Ontario and the rest of Canada.”

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