Measles: Travel health advice
On this page
- Travel outside Canada
- Travelling internationally with an infant or child
- If you feel sick when travelling back to Canada
Travel outside of Canada
There is an increase of measles cases in many parts of the world.
If you have symptoms of measles or have been in contact with someone who has measles, you shouldn't travel. Contact your local public health authority right away and follow their advice.
Anyone who isn't immune to measles is at risk of being infected, especially when travelling internationally. Before you travel to a place where measles is a concern, check with a health care provider that you've received the recommended number of doses of the measles vaccine.
- If born before 1970, 1 dose is recommended.
- If born in 1970 or later, 2 doses are recommended.
In Canada, the measles vaccine is part of routine childhood vaccination schedules. It's given in combination with the mumps and rubella vaccines (MMR), and sometimes also with the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine (MMRV).
If you're planning to travel internationally:
- review the global travel health notice for measles
- make sure you have the recommended measles vaccinations
- review travel advice and advisories for your destination
- talk to a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice
- even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to make an appointment
Learn more:
Travelling internationally with an infant or child
If you're travelling to regions with measles activity with an infant between 6 months and less than 1 year of age, discuss early measles vaccination with your child's health care provider. The vaccine may be given as early as 6 months of age if you're travelling to a place where measles is a concern.
Before travelling internationally, you should ensure that children and youth are up to date with recommended vaccines based on provincial and territorial vaccination schedules.
Get your child's vaccination schedule
Learn more:
If you feel sick when travelling back to Canada
If you begin to experience any symptoms of measles during your travel back to Canada, you should:
- put on a well-fitting respirator
- if a respirator is unavailable, you can use a well-fitting medical mask
- limit contact with other people if possible
- inform the flight attendant, cruise staff and/or a border services officer as soon as possible
- when you enter Canada, you may be referred to a quarantine officer for a health assessment and further instruction
Learn more:
- Measles: Symptoms and treatment
- If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return