COVID-19 guidance in B.C.

Publication date: August 28, 2024

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

English 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Français | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | فارسی | Tagalog | 한국어 | Español​​ | عربى | Tiếng Việt | 日本語 | हिंदी | УкраїнськаРусский

On this page

Provincewide restrictions

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

Masks

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

Find more information on masks on the BC Centre for Disease Control website.

Hospitals and health care settings

Medical masks are no longer required in health care settings.

Visitors are still encouraged to wear masks in health care settings and to practice respiratory etiquette, including:

  • Clean your hands often using soap and warm water or use alcohol-based hand rub
  • Sneeze or cough into your elbow instead of your hands
  • Stay away from people at higher risk of serious illness

Health-care workers must continue to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including masks or respirators, in accordance with their point of care risk assessments.

Travel

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

Businesses

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 should stay up to date on your immunizations.

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. 

I need help

Talk to someone on the phone. Get support in 140+ languages, including:

國粵語 | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | عربى | Français | Español

Monday to Friday, 7 am to 7 pm. Statutory holidays, 9 am to 5 pm

Immunizations

Phone the call centre if you have questions about your COVID-19 and flu immunization options and need help booking an appointment. 

Call: 1-833-838-2323  

COVID-19 information

Call: 1-888-268-4319  

Text: 1-604-630-03007:30 am to 5 pm

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.