Canada Travel Alerts & Entry Updates
Canada has extended mandatory 21-day Ebola quarantines and entry bans through September 28, 2026, for travelers from affected regions. Recent updates include the launch of the Free Flow program for U.S.-bound transit in three major airports and new rail preclearance in Vancouver for Amtrak Cascades riders. These developments follow significant flight disruptions caused by a WestJet lockout and severe Easter storm cancellations at Toronto Pearson.
Canada extends 21 day Ebola quarantine and entry bans through Sept. 28
Canada has extended emergency border screening and travel document restrictions for foreign nationals arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected regions. Impacted travelers face mandatory health checks and entry scrutiny at Canadian ports of entry.
WestJet strike in Canada strands thousands as 276 flights are canceled Aug. 2
WestJet has begun grounding aircraft and issued a lockout notice to flight attendants, signaling imminent travel disruptions. International travelers and nomads using WestJet or its codeshare partners for transpacific and transatlantic routes face significant delays or cancellations.
Skip CBSA when connecting to the U.S. through 3 Canada airports
International travelers transiting through Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal to the United States can now bypass Canadian customs and immigration. The 'Free Flow' program applies to passengers with checked bags and connections under 24 hours, significantly reducing transit friction.
Canada Amtrak Cascades riders save 10 minutes with US preclearance
The first passenger rail preclearance facility in North America allows travelers to clear U.S. customs in Vancouver before boarding. This change eliminates border stops for the Amtrak Cascades line, significantly reducing transit times for nomads and expats moving between Canada and the U.S.
Canada health measures stay in force until Aug. 29 for US travelers
The U.S. Department of State updated its Canada travel advisory on June 5, confirming the country remains at Level 1. The update provides current guidance on entry rules, health-care access, and safety protocols for international visitors and long-stay travelers.
Canada's Easter Storm Wave Cancelled 82+ Flights in a Single Day
Significant flight delays and cancellations hit major Canadian hubs (including Toronto Pearson) in early April 2026, with reports of over 300 delays and ~70 cancellations by around April 6 (effects and coverage continuing into April 9–12 window). Causes included winter weather impacts lingering into spring, staffing strains, and holiday/seasonal travel volume. This directly affects travelers, expats, and digital nomads flying in/out of Canada. Air Canada and other carriers issued daily outlooks noting potential ongoing disruptions.