Program delivery update: COVID-19 – Travel restriction measures
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
March 22, 2020
The Government of Canada has introduced travel restrictions to protect the health and safety of Canadians due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Given IRCC’s mandate to manage citizenship and immigration status and to issue travel documents and authorizations, the Department has a role to play in supporting interdepartmental efforts to administer these restrictions.
Air travel and border measures have been implemented to protect the health and safety of Canadians by restricting non-essential international travel. New instructions have been developed to describe IRCC’s role in supporting the administration of these measures and provide guidance on applying some of the exemptions that are in place to facilitate necessary travel.