Health Canada published the new measles vaccination requirement on 31 May 2026 following a rise in imported cases. All passengers on flights to Canada must present either a vaccination record or a valid exemption letter. The policy covers infants from six months of age.
Accepted proof includes WHO vaccination certificates or national immunization records showing two doses of MMR vaccine. Travelers without documentation can receive a free dose at designated airport clinics upon arrival. Those refusing vaccination will be denied entry and returned on the next available flight.
The requirement aligns with similar measures already in place in Australia and New Zealand. Airlines will verify documents during check-in and again at the Canadian border. Children under six months remain exempt but must be accompanied by vaccinated adults.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents returning home are subject to the same rules. The government has deployed additional public health nurses at major airports including Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Exemptions are limited to documented medical contraindications.
Travelers should carry physical or digital copies of their records. The Public Health Agency of Canada maintains a list of approved vaccines on its website. Airlines have begun notifying passengers via email about the upcoming change.
The measure is expected to remain in force for at least twelve months. Officials will reassess based on global measles case data. No similar requirement applies to land or sea arrivals at this stage.