Main COVID-19 outbreak travel issues and what you should do based on your status when returning to Canada.

As the COVID-19 preventative measures are getting stricter in almost every country, many travellers are facing issues such as flight cancelations, border crossing, and imposed self-isolation, not to mention the huge impact the coronavirus is having on businesses.

The Canadian border is now closed for foreign nationals who are not residents or citizens. Therefore, having your travel documents in order is a smart and responsible approach, if you are trying to return home safely.

We, at AnyVisa, are committed to helping Canadian Permanent Residents, who have issues with their PR cards, get back to Canada. And, of course, other foreign travelers, who require consular assistance to go to their home countries, can rely on AnyVisa for travel document support.

Summarizing the Canadian government’s measures, including the border closure, here is the current situation:

1 – If you are a Temporary Resident traveling to Canada:

• Such as a Canadian tourist visa holder, student visa holder, or work visa holder, you will not be able to come to Canada until further notice by the authorities.
• Exceptions: diplomats, air crews, and immediate family of citizens.
• If you were able to enter Canada, don’t forget about the 14-day self-isolation.
• 6 months maximum stay is still in effect – you cannot overstay in Canada blaming the coronavirus consequences. If you entered Canada on a tourist visa before the COVID-19 outbreak, and you are worried about the possibility of illegal overstaying in Canada, contact AnyVisa for the guidance as there may be a chance you can legally prolong your stay.
• NOTE: If you are a Temporary Resident currently in Canada and need to extend your authorized stay, the above points apply to you.

2 – If you are a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) returning to Canada:

• You can also return to Canada with no issues (unless you show symptoms of coronavirus). The assistance program for returning Canadian citizens back to Canada is not applicable to PRs. However, we can help you if you are having troubles with confirmation of your PR status – we can assist you with your Permanent Resident Travel Documents (PRTD) to return to Canada.
• If you got back home, don’t forget about the 14-day self-isolation.
• If you are still in Canada, we highly recommend cancelling any travel plans until the Canadian government and other countries lift travel restrictions.
• NOTE: If you are a Permanent Resident currently outside Canada, and require expedited service to apply for PRTD, the above points apply to you.

3 – If you are a Canadian citizen looking to get home:

• You can return to Canada with no issues (unless you show symptoms of coronavirus). Also, a support program is being developed for Canadian travellers needing to return home.
• If you got back home, don’t forget about the 14-day self-isolation.
• If you are in Canada, we highly recommend cancelling any travel plans until the COVID-19 pandemic terminates.

For all travelers: keep in mind that current coronavirus situation is a worldwide problem, and many countries are closing their borders and implementing new travel restrictions. Get familiar with the information in the travel document daily updated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).