Travel and COVID-19
Avoid all non-essential travel. Do not travel for a vacation.
Travel restrictions are in place due to COVID-19. Everyone travelling in B.C. must follow the current travel advisory and guidelines. Do your research and arrive prepared.
Last updated: March 29, 2021
On this page:
- Current travel advisory
- Entering B.C.
- Federal entry requirements
- Leaving B.C.
- Changes to transportation services
Current travel advisory
At this time, all non-essential travel should be avoided. This includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province. For example:
- Do not travel for a vacation
- Do not travel to visit friends or family outside of your household or core bubble
Essential travel
Individual circumstances may affect whether a trip is considered essential or non-essential. Essential travel within B.C. includes:
- Regular travel for work within your region
- Travel for things like medical appointments and hospital visits
For example, if you live in Vancouver and work in Surrey you can continue to commute.
Whistler Blackcomb closure
The Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is closed until April 19 at midnight.
Entering B.C.
From another province or territory
If you are travelling to B.C. from another province or territory you are expected to follow the same travel and public health guidelines as everyone else in B.C. You do not need to self-quarantine when entering B.C. from another province or territory.
- Review province-wide restrictions
From a United States border crossing
All non-essential travel at the Canada-U.S. border is restricted. Additional screening measures are in place at key points of entry.
- Learn about arriving in Canada at a land border crossing
From an international destination
The Canadian border is closed to most international travellers. You are allowed to enter Canada if you are a:
- Canadian citizen
- Permanent resident of Canada
- Temporary resident of Canada
- Protected person (refugee status)
- Person registered under the Indian Act
- Foreign national with a non-discretionary (non-optional) reason to travel to Canada
Find out if you can travel to Canada
In some cases, essential workers are allowed entry into B.C. If you want to travel to B.C. to perform essential work, we recommend you:
- Review information about international essential workers
- Use the essential worker travel tool to determine your approval to enter the province
International students can only enter Canada if their designated learning institution has an approved COVID-19 safety plan in place.
Federal entry requirements
Unless you are exempt, all travellers entering Canada are required by law to:
- Present a negative COVID-19 molecular test on arrival at your own cost
- Self-quarantine for 14 days
There are additional quarantine requirements if you arrive in Canada by air, including a mandatory 3-night hotel stay at your own cost.
Leaving B.C.
Do not travel outside of B.C. unless it is an essential trip.
- If you are travelling to another province, research provincial and territorial restrictions
- If you are travelling internationally, review federal travel advisories
Changes to transportation services
Transportation services may be impacted by COVID-19.
Visit BC Ferries for information about service reductions and current schedules.
Mask policy
Passengers over the age of two on routes longer than 30 minutes are required to be in possession of a face covering that covers their mouth and nose. Passengers are asked to wear this covering in situations when a physical separation of two meters cannot be maintained,
Medically-assured loading
BC Ferries can implement procedures necessary to provide priority medical-assured loading on the first available vessel for any individual, their vehicle and an escort.
To access priority loading for medical treatment, passengers must:
- Provide a doctor's letter indicating they require medical-assured loading for treatment at check-in
- Complete a Travel Assistance Program (TAP) form
Provincial highway operations continue to provide safe and efficient travel.
- Check the DriveBC website for current highway conditions
Inland Ferries are in compliance with federal directives on COVID-19, and the following measures are now in place:
- Passengers must remain inside vehicles during sailings
- All passenger amenities aboard the ferry are closed
- Walk-on passengers, cyclists and motorcyclists must remain inside designated zones while in the terminal, and while aboard the ferry
- Walk-on passengers, cyclists, and motorcyclists with symptoms of COVID-19 are not permitted aboard the inland ferries
- Busy sailings may be impacted by reduced passenger limits
- Follow direction of crew at all times
- These measures are in effect until further notice
- Find restrictions and other information related to specific sailings
Provincial highway rest areas are open and maintenance contractors are systematically monitoring them to ensure they are clean, sanitary and well stocked daily.
Safe and clean facilities are important for all travellers, especially commercial truckers moving essential goods to maintain the supply chain.
- Use only the supplies you need during your stop
- Practise physical distancing and proper hygiene
- Most provincial rest areas are equipped with either handwashing stations or fully plumbed washrooms
- For facilities that do not, people are encouraged to use disposable rubber gloves or their own handwashing/sanitizing supplies
Transportation services such as taxis, ride-hailing and intercity buses are able to operate, but must follow the orders and guidance provided by the Public Health Officer.
