Travel Restrictions: Can Canadians Move Between Provinces?

Interprovincial travel restrictions in Canada have been a topic of discussion since the COVID-19 pandemic began. While the federal government has implemented mandatory testing and hotel quarantine for international travellers, individual provinces have also imposed their own interprovincial travel restrictions. For example, in January 2021, Manitoba announced a 14-day self-isolation requirement for travellers from other provinces, and British Columbia considered a Maritime-style travel ban. These measures aimed to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, but they also raised questions about their constitutional validity and the impact on Canadians' mobility rights.

Identification requirements for US citizens and permanent residents

US citizens and permanent residents must carry proof of citizenship and identity when entering Canada. This can include a valid US passport, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a certificate of Indian Status with photo identification, or a US permanent resident card. These documents are necessary for the border services officer to confirm your identity and your right to enter Canada.

If you are travelling with children, you should carry copies of any legal custody documents and a consent letter if you share custody of the child and the other parent or legal guardian is not travelling with you. This consent letter should include the custodial parent's or legal guardian's contact information, and it is recommended to have it notarized to support its authenticity.

In addition to the above, permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence.

It is important to note that while a Canadian passport is not required for US citizens or permanent residents, it is the only universally accepted identification document for Canadian citizens and is recommended for international travel. For Canadian citizens without a passport, other acceptable documents include an enhanced driver's license, a NEXUS card, a birth certificate, a health insurance card, and more.

When entering Canada, all travellers, including US citizens and permanent residents, must complete a declaration, such as the Advance Declaration or a Declaration Card, which can be submitted online up to 72 hours before arrival or at an airport kiosk upon arrival. This declaration provides information about yourself, your travels, and any goods you are bringing into the country.

Interprovincial Travel in Canada

Regarding interprovincial travel within Canada, there have been discussions about restricting movement between provinces due to COVID-19 concerns. For example, in 2020, Newfoundland and Labrador imposed a travel restriction that prevented non-residents from entering the province, with certain exemptions for essential workers and compassionate reasons. However, as of 2024, there are no mentions of interprovincial travel restrictions, except for a 14-day self-isolation requirement for domestic travellers entering Manitoba. It is always recommended to check the latest information on provincial health ministry websites before travelling between provinces, as these requirements can change frequently.

Identification requirements for international visitors

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification when entering Canada. A valid passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when travelling abroad. However, there are other forms of identification that can be used to enter Canada.

When travelling to Canada, it is important to carry acceptable identification. A valid passport is the most common form of identification and is accepted universally. However, there are other forms of identification that can be used to enter Canada.

If you do not have a valid passport, you may use one of the following alternative forms of identification:

• A permanent resident card issued by the United States.
• An enhanced driver's license issued in the United States.
• Any document referred to in subsection 50(1) or 52(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

It is important to note that all government-issued identification documents must be valid and cannot be expired. The name on your identification must match the name on your airline ticket and boarding pass.

In addition to a valid passport, international visitors may also need a travel authorization such as a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. It is recommended to apply for an eTA before booking your flight to Canada, as some applications can take several days to process.

Covid-19 restrictions

As of January 2021, the Canadian government had implemented mandatory testing and hotel quarantine for international travellers returning to Canada. Additionally, Ontario's Premier announced that the province would administer mandatory COVID-19 tests for international air travellers landing in Ontario until the federal program was rolled out.

Some provinces, such as British Columbia and Manitoba, have considered or implemented interprovincial travel restrictions. For example, in January 2021, Manitoba announced that travellers from other provinces and returning Manitobans would have to self-isolate for 14 days, with certain exceptions. This was similar to the measures implemented in the Atlantic Provinces earlier. However, British Columbia's Premier, John Horgan, later stated that while the province had no plans to deny entry to visitors, it would impose stronger restrictions on non-essential travellers if interprovincial travel led to increased COVID-19 transmission.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court's decision in Taylor v Newfoundland and Labrador in 2020 provided a precedent for provinces to impose restrictions on interprovincial travel lawfully. The court upheld the province's legislative competence and dismissed a constitutional challenge, stating that the travel restriction orders were within the province's power to protect and promote the health of its residents.

The court's decision in Taylor v Newfoundland and Labrador set a precedent for other provinces considering travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. It affirmed that provinces could enact health-based travel restrictions to prevent non-essential travel and that such restrictions were likely to be justified, especially given the courts' deference to public health decisions.

Driving under the influence (DUI)

Interprovincial Travel in Canada

As of 2024, there are no travel restrictions in Canada for travel between Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. However, some provinces are considering restricting interprovincial travel due to rising COVID-19 infections and new variants. For example, Manitoba has a 14-day self-isolation requirement for domestic travellers entering the province, but it is possible to drive through the province in one day.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in Canada. Impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death and injury in the country, with over 69,000 incidents reported by the police in 2017, including almost 3,500 drug-impaired driving incidents. The Criminal Code prohibits driving while impaired by any amount of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both. The penalties for impaired driving range from a mandatory minimum fine to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence and whether it is a repeated offence.

The prohibited blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) in Canada is 80 milligrams or more of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. There are also prohibited levels for THC (the primary psychoactive component of cannabis), with a less serious offence of having between 2 and 5 nanograms of THC per millilitre of blood, and a more serious offence of 5 nanograms or more.

For a first offence of having a BAC at or over 80, the penalty is a mandatory minimum $1000 fine and a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment. A second offence carries a mandatory minimum of 30 days' imprisonment, and a third offence has a mandatory minimum of 120 days' imprisonment, with a maximum of 10 years for both.

Drug-impaired driving carries similar penalties, with a first offence resulting in a mandatory minimum $1000 fine and a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment. Refusing to comply with a demand for a sample carries a $2000 fine for a first offence.

If you have been convicted of driving under the influence, you may be inadmissible to Canada for serious criminality and will generally not be allowed to enter the country. However, there are options to enter Canada temporarily or to become admissible again, such as applying for criminal rehabilitation after a certain period of time has passed.

Work permits for foreign nationals

Foreign nationals who want to work in Canada typically need a work permit. Canada issues about half a million work permits to foreign nationals every year. There are two types of work permits: employer-specific and open.

Employer-Specific Work Permit

An employer-specific work permit allows you to work in Canada according to the conditions outlined in the permit, such as the name of the specific employer you can work for, how long you can work, and the location. Before applying for this type of permit, your employer must provide you with a copy of your employment contract, a copy of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and an offer of employment number (for LMIA-exempt workers). The LMIA-exempt number can be obtained by the employer through the Employer Portal.

Open Work Permit

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except those listed as ineligible or those that offer erotic entertainment services. You can only obtain an open work permit in specific situations. For example, if you are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, or if you are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence.

Application Process

The application procedure varies depending on the type of work permit. First, determine which work permit is best for you. If you need help, you can contact an organisation or a team member who can assist with scheduling a consultation.

The documents required for a work permit application in Canada will depend on the type of permit. However, applicants may need to provide the following:

• Completed application forms
• Proof of status in Canada (if applicable)
• Family member's proof of status (if applicable)
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (if applicable)
• Written offer of employment (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
• Proof that you meet the job requirements
• Valid copy of your passport
• Copy of education credentials
• Medical exam results (if requested)
• Evidence of financial means to stay in Canada and return to your home country
• Proof of payment for applicable government fees
• Recent passport-sized photos

Processing Time

The processing time for a work permit application depends on the type of permit and the applicant's country of residence. It can range from a few weeks to several months.

Costs

The processing fee for a closed work permit is CAD 155 per person, while an open work permit costs CAD 255 per person. Additional fees apply for restoring a work permit or applying as a group of performing artists.

Age Requirements

Foreign workers must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Canadian work permit. There is no maximum age limit unless applying under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.

Work Permit Validity

Canadian work permits are typically valid for a period of 1 to 2 years, but this can vary depending on the applicant's passport validity, the duration of their Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and the length of their authorised stay in Canada.

Health Insurance

Health care in Canada is administered by each province and territory, with their own insurance plans. Some provinces allow work permit holders to apply for provincial health insurance coverage, but most require a certain period of physical presence in the province before becoming eligible.

Work Permit and Travel

A work permit allows you to work in Canada, but it is not a travel document. If you leave Canada, you will need a valid visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to re-enter, in addition to your work permit and passport.

Frequently asked questions