Although the globe is still recovering from the latest coronavirus and travel bans are still affecting certain nations, Canada has recently described what exactly essential travel entails. The individuals in Canada, such as temporary foreign employees, international students and immediate families of Canadian nationals are excluded from travel limits in Canada. However, they must make it known that their travel is for an urgent purpose.

Travel Insurance

For people who have a good excuse to fly to and are permitted to travel to Canada, it is highly necessary to have destination travel insurance. Majority of the time, they will not be available for provincial health plans.

When looking for travel insurance for visitors to Canada, it is necessary to plan for varying coverage rates. While cheaper coverage, such as $10,000, would be less than the $50,000 policy, it will prove to be ineffective if you find yourself in a major health condition.

It is worth mentioning that, in aggregate, hospitals will bill more than $5,000 a day if you need hospitalization, which would not include more severe case cases, such as surgery, ICU or other expensive medical procedures.

Mandatory self-isolation

Also, all foreign nationals landing in Canada must be self-quarantined for at least 14 days, as soon as they arrive. They will be expected to show a reasonable quarantine schedule for the next two weeks and clarify where they will stay for the next two weeks and why they will be vulnerable.

They're still going to have to explain how they’re going to find the basics, including drug stores and other necessities, without leaving home.

Reasons for essential travel

The airport officers will be the ones who decide which passengers are allowed in and who do not have a legitimate excuse to be allowed to enter Canada.
The following can be used for essential travel purposes:
● Economic and supply chain services;
● "Critical Infrastructure Support" means the procurement of resources vital to the health, welfare, protection or economic well-being of Canadians and the Government of Canada. The Government of Canada and applicants still approve international student application numbers.
● Health (immediate care), protection and security;
● Supporting tribal communities;
● Travel across Canada for important purposes;
● To study in Canada, if permission has been obtained before March 18, 2020. The Government still approves international student applications of Canada, and applicants will be contacted when they can travel;
● To take care of a sick family member who has no one to support them in Canada, or
● Any other practice the Canadian government deems to be "non-optional" or "non-discretionary."

Non-essential visits

The Government specifies the optional and non-discretionary travelling. The government defines non-discretionary travelling as travel undertaken for entertainment, leisure and tourism in general. Visiting a relative or visiting Canada for a holiday will not be deemed necessary and will not be allowed during the current period.

It is often considered optional and not obligatory to appear at the birth of a new family member and to visit a home that is not the individual’s primary residence. Unfortunately, even attending a family member's funeral is not admissible, mainly because the number of people attending is still reduced due to the pandemic.

Being a parent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident would not be an appropriate excuse for travel. The traveler must explain that the trip they are taking is right for reasons, such as coming to Canada for full-time residence in Canada, being prospective permanent residents or temporary residents, or coming to live with immediate family.

Optional travel exemptions

Another good excuse would be to make a trip to Canada to take care of an ill family member, who cannot take care of themselves and cannot make any other provisions for them. Foreigners are now permitted to spend the pandemic with their immediate Canadian family members to help them get through this tough period together and provide assistance both physically and emotionally.

Numerous individuals, who are holders of work permits, can be excluded from fulfilling the self-isolation cycle if they work in jobs that are vital to health, education and food safety. These include firefighters and emergency care personnel, students who are allowed to study in the health sector, and transport staff vital to the transport of critical goods.