'We're so excited', local travel agent on lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions

It was good news for Canadian travelers on Saturday, as the federal government dropped all COVID-19 restrictions at their borders making it that much easier for those coming into the country.  

Travellers entering Canada no longer have to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19, wearing a mask is optional on planes and trains, no more random mandatory testing, and no need to isolate for those that are unvaccinated.  

Those entering the country will also no longer be required to fill out the ArriveCan app, which has caused headaches for travelers.  

Senior Travel Advisor at Marlin Travel, Shannon Konihowski here in Moose Jaw says this news was a long time coming with travel being interrupted over the last two years due to COVID-19.  

“We are so excited because it takes that element of fear out of travel for people,’ says Konihowski. “Nobody is hesitant now because it doesn’t seem like all these extra things that they have to do that possibly could go one way or the other, that’s taken out of the mix.” 

Though this is good news for travelers, she does want to remind those looking to book a trip this fall or winter that only Canada’s border restrictions have lifted, with many other countries still enforcing their own rules.  

For example, all non-U.S. citizens air, land, and sea travelers entering the United States must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.  

“People still have to be aware of where their traveling and what those countries' requirements are too. We got a lot of calls with this announcement last week, a lot of people inquiring about the trans-border to the U.S.” 

At the end of the day, it’s still good news for travel, as residents can finally book that vacation or getaway they’ve been planning since before the pandemic.  

“People have been waiting for this to happen, so they can do it. People have been pausing on bookings because they don’t want to deal with that extra hassle. We’re seeing an influx of people excited and wanting to confirm and know that they are going to be going with no restrictions.” 

Konihowski notes that some of the most popular getaways that travelers are booking are tropical destinations to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the Caribbean. As well, Moose Jaw’s snowbirds that have been couped up over the last two years are beginning to book their trip south into the United States.  

Those wanting more information on current Canadian travel requirements can ask their travel advisor or clink the link HERE.