Why some unvaccinated Canadian travellers are still able to board a plane

Since Canada has had a vaccine requirement for travellers for almost two months, air passengers may presume everyone over 12 on their flight is fully vaccinated. 

But that’s not necessarily the case, as some travellers, such as Canadians flying home from abroad, are exempt from the vaccine requirement. 

Here’s how the regulations work and why some unvaccinated travellers can still board flights. 

Exceptions to the rule

Since Nov. 30, travellers ages 12 years plus four months and older must show proof they’re fully vaccinated to board passenger flights, trains and cruise ships in Canada. 

The federal government introduced the vaccine requirement to