Traveling during the on-going COVID-19 Pandemic

The College has received several inquiries from our members asking about what restrictions are in place for personal travel as a regulated healthcare professional – this article will provide some details and clarity around all rules and advisories set.

The College has never and does not currently have any specific travel restrictions for our members. With that being said, we have encouraged compliance with various government travel advisories (both provincial and federal) that heavily encouraged individuals to avoid all non-essential travel. While travel was heavily discouraged – individuals were still able to leave the country but were subject to strict quarantine and testing requirements upon re-entry at their own expense.

So, what about now? Can I travel now? Yes and no. There are some countries that now have since banned travel from visitors who are not fully vaccinated. Additionally, several countries still have travel advisories against all non-essential travel (including in Canada from the Federal Government: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/221)

If you, as a regulated member decide to still travel against all posted travel advisories, please note that you will be subject to all quarantine and testing requirements. Right now, Alberta has no restrictions, but other provinces may, and the federal government does. Below is a list of links that you can review depending on your travel situation:

• Provincial and territorial restrictions: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/provinces
• Boarding flights to and within Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/flying
• Cruise ship travel: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/cruise
• Returning to Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/entering-canada-checklist
• Crossing the Canadian Border: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/border
• Testing for travelers: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/flying-canada-checklist/covid-19-testing-travellers-coming-into-canada

Please keep in mind that failure to follow any active public health directive may be grounds for professional conduct complaints. We encourage every regulated member to determine if any travel in mind is essential or not and then follow the appropriate guidelines the government has put in place.

Additionally, you should be aware that travel restrictions and guidelines are changing frequently so please make sure you have the most up to date information available – some guidelines and re-entry requirements can also change while you’re out of the country so please plan accordingly.