COVID-19 guidance in B.C.
Publication date: January 9, 2025You don't need proof of immunization to access businesses, events or services in B.C. You may need proof of immunization for international travel.
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On this page
- Provincewide restrictions
- Wearing a mask
- Proof of vaccination is not required for travel in Canada
- Get your Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination
- Information for businesses
- I need help
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
As of January 6, 2025, medical masks are required for health care workers, visitors, contractors and volunteers in patient care areas in health authority–operated facilities, programs and services. Health authority–operated facilities include hospitals, long-term care and assisted-living, outpatient clinics and ambulatory care settings.
Temporary measures like masking in health care facilities help reduce the spread of respiratory illness this season and keep patients, residents and health care workers safe. They have been regularly used in health-care settings both pre- and post-pandemic.
Patient care areas where medical masks should be worn
A patient care area is any area in a health care facility where patients, residents and clients are actively receiving care.
Patient areas include
- Waiting rooms including emergency rooms
- Home and community care locations (including a client’s home)
- Any location where emergency health services are being provided (e.g. - ambulances, air ambulances)
Patient areas don't include
- Administrative areas or private offices, which are not generally accessed by patients, residents or clients
- Cafeterias, lunch and break rooms
- Research areas, engineering spaces and lecture halls
- Foyers and hallways
- Spiritual spaces and family rooms
You do not have to wear a medical mask in health care settings if you are:
- Eating or drinking
- Under 5 years old
- Unable to wear a mask because of a health condition, physical or mental impairment
- Unable to put on or remove a mask without help from another person
- Communicating with someone with a hearing impairment
You are not exempt if you are required to wear a mask and are able to wear a mask, but choose not to as a matter of preference.
Masks in long-term care and assisted living
Visitors to long-term care (LTC) and seniors’ assisted living settings should wear a medical mask when participating in indoor group events, celebrations, gatherings and activities, except when eating and/or drinking.
Exceptions to wearing a medical mask in LTC include:
- Visiting a single resident in a patient-care area, multi-bed rooms or communal areas
- Visiting directly with one individual resident
Residents in LTC and assisted living settings must wear a mask over their nose and mouth, and other PPE when directed by a health care worker during the provision of direct patient care, if medically tolerated.
Masks in other public areas
Wearing masks in public indoor settings outside of health care 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 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.
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 220+ languages, including:
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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.
COVID-19 information
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.