Starting today, proof of vaccination is required for all travel in Canada by plane, train or cruise ship.
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The federal government‘s recently announced vaccination record is now available to all British Columbians just as Canada’s new travel vaccination regulations came into effect.
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Everyone 12 years or older must now be fully vaccinated to board domestic or international flights departing from most Canadian airports, cruise lines, or VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains.
Two doses of a federally approved COVID-19 vaccine, with the second dose given at least 14 days prior to travel, are required to be considered fully vaccinated.
Ottawa has announced that there will be a one-month grace period during which BC vaccination records will be accepted as proof of vaccination. During the grace period, Canadians also have the option of proving a negative COVID-19 test instead of a vaccination certificate. The negative test results and the provincial map are only available until November 30th. accepted.
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As with BC’s vaccination card, the new federal vaccination record can be obtained through the provincial health portal, the Department of Health’s web service, by calling 1-833-838-2323, or in person at most Service BC offices.
“The federal map can be accessed in the same way as the BC vaccination card, which 3.7 million British Columbians downloaded to enjoy non-essential activities across our province, such as eating out in restaurants or attending a sporting event.” Health Minister Adrian Dix said in a statement. “By making sure we are all fully vaccinated, we can safely do more with the people we love.”
British Columbians who wish to download a copy of their federal vaccination card through the Health Gateway will need three pieces of information: their personal health number, date of birth, and the date they received either their first or second vaccination dose.
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Both cards contain a scannable QR code, but the federal card contains more information than the BC card, which only contains the name and vaccination status. The federal card contains the date of birth, vaccination dates, including the date and type of vaccine used in each dose, as well as security features to prevent tampering or fraud.
The federal card uses the SMART Health Card standard, which is recognized by many top travel destinations for Canadian travelers, although the card does not guarantee entry to any other country.
Details of the card have been shared with “international partners” and “may” be accepted by international travel destinations, according to information published on government websites.
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International travelers should confirm the vaccination regulations of their destination country prior to departure.
BC’s vaccination card will continue to be used for non-essential BC activities, including going to a restaurant or a sporting event.
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