Proof of vaccination

You don't need proof of vaccination to access businesses, events or services in B.C. You may need proof of vaccination for international travel.

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Last updated: September 28, 2023

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Provincewide restrictions

There are no provincewide COVID-19 restrictions on travel, gatherings, events, and visits to long-term care and seniors’ assisted living facilities.

Wearing a mask

Masks in health care settings

Starting October 3, medical masks will be required for health care workers, visitors, contractors and volunteers in patient care areas in health care facilities, programs and services. 

A patient care area is any area in a health care facility that is accessible to patients, residents and clients that are accessing care.

This includes:

  • Contracted health care facilities
  • Home and community care locations
  • Hallways
  • Lobbies

This does not include:

  • Administrative areas or staff's private offices, which are not generally accessed by patients, residents or clients.

In long-term care, visitors will be required to wear a medical mask when in common areas and when participating in indoor events in communal areas.

Ambassadors will be at facility entrances to support screening for symptoms of respiratory illnesses, hand out medical masks, and ensure people clean their hands before entering.

Proof of vaccination is not required for entry. 

Masks in other public areas

Wearing masks in public indoor settings is not required by public health. Wearing a mask is a personal choice. 

Masks are encouraged, but not required, when travelling by air, train, public transit or BC Ferries.

Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises. It’s important that we respect other people’s and businesses' choices.

Proof of vaccination is not required for travel in Canada

You do not need proof of vaccination to:

  • Enter Canada
  • Travel within Canada by plane or train
  • Board an international flight at a Canadian airport

Travel rules change frequently. Check federal travel guidance before you travel.

You may need proof of vaccination outside Canada

Some other countries may require you to show proof of vaccination to enter. Review entry requirements before you travel.

You need at least 2 doses of vaccine to get proof of vaccination. You should stay up to date on your vaccinations, including additional doses.

Get your Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination

Proof of vaccination QR codes downloaded more than 6 months ago may not verify properly. Download a new copy of your proof of vaccination to ensure you have a valid QR code.

Your Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination is available through Health Gateway. You can download proof of vaccination for you and your family, including kids under 12. 

Get my proof of vaccination Proof of vaccination is free. If someone is asking you to pay, it's a scam.

Using your Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination

When you show your proof of vaccination, you also need a piece of valid government photo ID.

The name on your ID must match the name on your proof of vaccination.

  • If you've already legally changed your name and it's not showing on your proof of vaccination, download and print your proof of vaccination again
  • If the name on your B.C. driver's licence or BC Services Card doesn't match your proof of vaccination, update your ID
  • If the name on your passport doesn't match your proof of vaccination, update your passport

If you are unable to access or download your proof of vaccination, find out how to get help.

An example of the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination document

Information for businesses

Events, services and businesses aren't required to check proof of vaccination in B.C.

If you want, your business can choose to continue requiring proof of vaccination. If you decide to require proof of vaccination, you must do your own due diligence and follow all relevant laws. You can also continue to use the BC Vaccine Card Verifier app.

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Checking proof of vaccination

Scan the customer's QR code

You can use the BC Vaccine Card Verifier app to scan a customer's QR code to verify their proof of vaccination. The QR code will be on their phone or a piece of paper. You can scan:

A QR code is the square shaped image and is a type of bar code that can be read by a digital device. B.C. is using the SMART Health Card QR code format, a requirement of the federal government. This means the QR code only stores the absolute minimum level of information and is not connected to other health records.

The Vaccine Card Verifier app

Download the BC Vaccine Card Verifier app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app is free to download and works on smartphones and tablets. 

After you've finished downloading, you can continue to use the app offline. No internet connection is required to scan QR codes. You must allow the app to access your device camera. 

 

Privacy

The QR code is a personal document. You can't take a photo of a customer's proof of vaccination, even if they consent. If a customer is concerned about privacy, you can tell them:

  • The BC Vaccine Card Verifier app does not store any data
  • The QR code contains the minimum information required to verify a vaccination record
  • The proof of vaccination system is not connected to any other health records

I need help

If you need more information or have questions about proof of vaccination, talk to a phone agent. 

Call: 1-833-838-23237 days a week, 7 am to 7 pm. Statutory holidays 9 am to 5 pm | Translators are available

Outside Canada and the USA: 1-604-681-4261

Telephone for the Deaf: Dial 711

Video Relay Services (VRS) sign language interpretation is free for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired.