6 things Nigerians must remember before traveling to Canada as travel ban is lifted
Christmas is about to become merrier for many.
Nigerians looking forward to spending Christmas with their loved ones in Canada are jubilating as Canada has finally lifted the travel ban on Nigeria. Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos confirmed that stringent border rules will still be in place, But Nigerians and other Africans are now free to come to Canada.
For weeks, Canada has faced international condemnation for the ban it imposed on foreign nationals from 10 African countries. The federal government said the rules were justified because there was more spread of the Omicron variant in those countries and less reliable domestic surveillance
Canada latest travel checklist
Here are 6 things to remember before getting on the plane to fly to Canada either as immigrants or tourists:
1. Covid Test 72 hours in advance
Take a COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time of your flight to Canada or arrival at the land border, PCR test requirement for all trips of any duration is still in place. The test must also be administered in a different country prior to coming to Canada.
“In order to counteract the most rapidly spreading variant to date, it’s clear we must combine protection from vaccinations with continued best efforts in layering public health measures and individual precautions,” said Chief Public Health of Canada Dr. Teresa Tam
2. Be quarantine ready
Fully vaccinated travellers who have been in any country other than Canada and the United States in the 14 days prior to entry to Canada may be selected for arrival testing. They must quarantine in a suitable place until they receive a negative test result. They may take public transportation (for example, connecting flights) to their place of quarantine. The Government of Canada is increasing the number of fully vaccinated travellers being selected for testing to reach 100% of vaccinated travellers in the coming weeks.
3. Use ArriveCAN to enter Canada
You must use ArriveCAN to provide mandatory travel information before and after your entry into Canada.
The mobile app is free and is available in English, French. Make sure you download the latest version of the ArriveCAN App on your phone before leaving Nigeria. Be cautious of third-party agents, fraudulent webpages and apps that may be posing as ArriveCAN and asking you for payment.
4. Avoid fake vaccine certificate
Ensure you have an authentic vaccination certificate after taking the vaccine doses. If a border services officer confirmed at the border that you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller, you shouldn’t receive further emails or notifications from ArriveCAN. Skipping the vaccine and obtaining a false certificate also endangers others.
5. Do not carry any meat products or prohibited items
Make sure your purchases or items coming into Canada are not on a list of prohibited goods. Pay attention to organic products among your goods. Declare any foods, plants, animals or other products such as untreated wooden souvenirs to the border services officer.
Even your gari, egusi seeds and other food ingredients you are carrying need to be declared.
6. Plan for a small-scale Christmas
If you are planning for big Christmas celebrations and parties, you might have to change your plans. The Government has imposed new restrictions on indoor gatherings to curb the spread of Covid.[1]
You can still still eat, drink and be merry. But play safe.
