Message to U.S. Citizens in Canada: COVID-19 and Transportation in Canada (March 30, 2020)

Message to U.S. Citizens in Canada: COVID-19 and Transportation in Canada

March 30, 2020

Location: Canada

Event: COVID-19 Update, Transportation in Canada

Information:

On March 28, the Government of Canada issued new domestic transportation measures designed to mitigate the risk of further spreading COVID-19 within Canada. These initiatives impact both air and rail travel and are summarized below. See Transport Canada’s COVID-19 website for additional information about COVID-19 measures and guidance issued by Transport Canada.

Air:

  • Operators are required to “conduct a heath check of all travelers before they board a flight within Canada or departing from Canada, based on the Public Health Agency of Canada.” This check includes screening for possible signs of illness.
  • In cases when an operator refuses to board a passenger on health grounds related to COVID-19 symptoms, the denial will “remain in effect for 14 days, or until a medical certificate is presented that confirms that the traveler’s symptoms are not COVID-19.”
  • These new air measures apply to aircraft with 10 seats or more and are in effect as of March 30, 2020, at Noon EDT

Rail

  • Intercity passenger rail companies will screen passengers for COVID-19 symptoms before they board a train based on guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
  • Intercity passengers denied boarding based on COVID-19 symptoms will be denied boarding for 14-days or “until a medical certificate is presented that confirms the traveler’s symptoms are not related to COVID-19.”
  • Rail measures do not/not apply to commuter trains. Rail measures also came into effect on March 30, 2020 at Noon EDT.

Actions to Take:

Keep STEP Enrollment Active
  • Encourage U.S. citizen friends and family to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the U.S. Embassy and Consulates can contact them with updated information. If you plan to remain in Canada beyond your previously planned travel dates, remember to modify your STEP profile in order to continue to receive information and emergency alerts.

Monitor the following U.S. Government websites

Monitor the following Canadian Government websites

Monitor the following additional suggested websites 

  • Airlines, buses, trains, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.

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For Assistance: The U.S. Embassy and Consulate Generals are continually monitoring the current situation in Canada and continue to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.  

U.S. Embassy Ottawa
490 Sussex Drive
Ottawa,  Ontario, K1N 1G8
Canada
Telephone: +1 (613) 688-5335
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +1 (613) 238-5335
Fax: +1 (613) 688-3082
OttawaACS@state.gov


CONSULATES GENERAL

U.S. Consulate General Montreal
1134, Rue Ste-Catherine West
Montreal, QC H3B 1H4
Canada
Telephone: +1 (514) 398-9695
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +1 (416) 645-9124
Fax: +1 (514) 398-9748
Montreal-ACS@state.gov


U.S. Consulate General Toronto
360 University Ave
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S4
Canada
Telephone: +1 (416) 595-1700
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +1 (416) 595-6506
Fax: +1 (416) 595-5466
TorontoPassport@state.gov


U.S. Consulate General Vancouver
1075 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6E 2M6
Canada
Telephone: +1 (604) 685-4311
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +1 (604) 685-4311
Fax: +1 (604) 685-7175
VancouverACS@state.gov


U.S. Consulate General Halifax
Purdy’s Wharf Tower II
1969 Upper Water Street, Suite 904
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3R7
Canada
Telephone: +1 (902) 429-2480
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +1 (902) 429-2480, Press 1
Fax: +1 (902) 423-6861
Halifax-ACS@state.gov


U.S. Consulate General Quebec
2, rue de la Terrasse Dufferin
(Vieux Quebec, behind Chateau Frontenac)
Quebec, Quebec G1R 4T9
Canada
Telephone: +1 (418) 692-2095
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +1 (418) 692-2096
Fax: +1 (418) 692-4640
QuebecACS@state.gov


U.S. Consulate General Calgary
615 Macleod Trail S.E.,
10th Floor
Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4T8
Canada
Telephone: +1 (403) 266-8962
Fax: +1 (403) 264-6630
Calgary-ACS@state.gov