If you’re a Canadian who hoped to drive to Florida this winter, you better have your proof of vaccination. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security quietly issued a statement on Thursday that, starting today (Jan. 22, 2022), it will require non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination. These new restrictions will apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for both essential and non-essential reasons. They will not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals. The U.S. requires proof of a negative COVID test taken within a day Read more
omicron
A Radio-Canada report says the Trudeau government could eliminate mandatory on-arrival testing within days. Their report says the Liberal government in Ottawa “plans to backtrack and return, quickly, to the establishment of random tests” for air passengers arriving in Canada. “The final decision has not yet been made, but, according to a federal source very close to the file, it is a matter of weeks, even days,” said Radio-Canada. Several tourism groups and a group that represents Canadian travel agents have recently called for an end to the government’s mandatory on-arrival testing, which was introduced late last year for passengers Read more
The Irish Government announced today (January 21) that almost all Covid-19 public health restrictions will come to an end. From tomorrow, restaurants and bars can resume normal trading hours; and restrictions on indoor and outdoor events, including sporting fixtures, will be lifted. “The announcement that most Covid-19 restrictions in Ireland will come to an end is excellent news for tourism and hospitality. It means that we can now move forward and begin planning holidays in Ireland with confidence for the year ahead,” said Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland. We can now look to the future with optimism. “Tourism Read more
The head of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) says it’s “positive” that some of its members will be able to re-open with limited capacity later this month. But he says that doesn’t equal recovery. With the Omicron variant seemingly easing in Ontario, Premier Doug Ford on Thursday announced a “phased approach” to reopening. Restrictions will ease starting Jan. 31 and run into March, Ford said. “It is positive news that many of our TIAO members will now be able re-open, albeit at reduced capacity from Jan 31,” TIAO President and CEO Christopher Bloore said in an email to Read more
With the Omicron variant impacting flights worldwide, Air Canada recently made the announcement that it is suspending service to various sun destinations, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. However, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) wants to remind Canadians looking to visit the destination this winter, they can still do so via Barbados. “While the suspension of Air Canada’s direct flights from Toronto to St. Vincent is certainly disappointing, we want to remind Canadians that alternatives are available, including via Air Canada’s weekly direct service from Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL) to Barbados (BGI),” said Glenn Beache, CEO Read more
