The phone has been ringing off the hook these days, and many of the questions have been the same.  Here is a summary of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) that I have been receiving so you can stay up to date:

1) What does the new Canadian Travel Advisory mean that was announced last week?

The Government of Canada has advised Canadians to avoid non-essential travel. This is not a travel ban as flights will still be operating.  The definition of non-essential travel is a personal decision to which every Canadian traveller needs to make for themselves.

2) Can I still go on my vacation?

All the Canadian Tour operators and airlines have announced that they will continue to offer flight options and packages for those who wish to travel.  Canadians will need to follow the mandatory travel steps required for the country they are visiting and the steps for returning home.

 

3) What if the borders close while I’m away?

Should the borders close, the airlines will do everything they can to offer repatriation flights for customers in destination.  This was done in March 2020 and will be done again if necessary (there is currently no indication that the borders will close).

4) We are considering booking a winter holiday for 2022 but we’re still on the fence. Do you recommend booking?

Absolutely – YES. All of the tour operators have implemented flexible terms and conditions should you change your mind.  For as low as $50 per passenger, most suppliers are allowing you to change or cancel between 3 days and 24 hours prior to departure (with refunds going into Future Travel Credits). With Americans still travelling, hotel availability is limited.

5) My family and I had Covid and are fully recovered.  Will we be able to travel or do we have to wait?

If you test positive for Covid, it exempts you from having to take a PCR test to return to Canada.  For 180 days after you test positive, you can travel as long as you have a medical certificate indicating that you had covid and are no longer contagious.  Here is the link to the government website with details.

6) While in destination, do I need to pay for a Covid Test to return to Canada?

Most resorts are offering on-site PCR covid tests that are required to return to Canada.  Prices range from $80USD to $130USD per person depending on location.  Some resorts are offering this test for free. It is very easy to arrange tests and you get your results via email within 24 to 48 hours.

7) I hear you need to complete another test upon arrival in Canada?  Do I need to pay for this test?

There is no cost for these tests. You are asked to quarantine at home until you receive your results – usually with 72 hours or less. This additional testing is scheduled to remain in place until at least January 30/2022.

8) Do my children under 11 need to quarantine upon return?

Unvaccinated children aged 5-11 aren’t permitted to attend school or daycare for 14 days after returning from international travel. Testing will be done upon returning to Canada and again from home on Day 8. This modified quarantine means that unvaccinated children can still go to the grocery store, park, restaurants with no restrictions.  Fully vaccinated children can return to school normally.

9) What is the airport experience like?

It’s very busy and there is additional paperwork that you need. If you’re prepared for this and have everything in place ahead of time, it will go smoothly.  Be sure to read my last blog post with my personal experience travelling.  It can be found HERE.

10) I heard that the resort experience is way different since the pandemic, is this true?

Absolutely not. Each resort is different in its enforcement of masking, but in general – expect to wear a mask any time you’re indoors or in a buffet/dining area. Aside from that, most of your time is spent outside and it’s very much the same as what you remember! Staff are wearing masks and have protocols in place, but it’s a breath of fresh air to take a break from the Covid protocols and constant media headlines here.

If you have any other questions, just let me know.

Happy Travels,

 

 

**Please remember that things change often.  This post is accurate at the time of publishing 23DEC21. This post is to provide general travel information and is not intended to provide advice concerning your particular travel arrangements.  Please speak to your personal travel advisor for the details specific to your booking.