Read Traveling Outside The Country During The Pandemic – Part 1 to see how it was traveling in the summer of 2020.
At the Canadian Airport
The second time I went traveling outside the country during the pandemic was in December 2020 – back to Miami, Florida. This time, things were even more stringent at Pearson International Airport. More security procedures were put into place and were a bit more strict than before at the airport. Even as you enter the check-in counters now, there was someone who had to give you hand sanitizer and more barriers were put in place for social distancing.
On The Airplane
However, there were more people travelling this time around and it was busier at the airport than it was back in June. It was also getting close to Christmastime so I’m sure that was also a big reason why. I also did not get a row to myself and the airlines no longer cared about having a space in the middle between two passengers.
This time, I was able to book a direct flight except I had to land in Fort Lauderdale since Miami’s airport had restricted traveling. I’m not entirely sure why, but no flights from Toronto were able to go there. But it’s alright, since Fort Lauderdale is only a 30-45 minute drive back to Miami. At least I didn’t have to have a layover to get to my destination this time.
In Miami, Florida Again
This time, I stayed almost a month – through Christmas and New Year’s (with many beauty packages waiting for me that I ordered prior to landing in Florida :)). Things seemed pretty much the same this time around, but it was harder to enjoy time at the beach due to the colder weather. It was actually 7°C on Christmas and Boxing Day!
I actually felt very safe as they did have capacity limits in stores as well as people wearing masks everywhere we went, even when they were outside. Like the last time, we also got takeout and ate in the car or at home. I preferred it like that anyway as we can enjoy being at home, watching movies, and feeling safe!
Road Trip to Key West
We also took a road trip to Key West. Now I was actually surprised with how seriously they took their COVID safety measures. We had to wear masks even when walking around outside and if you didn’t, the police would actually come up to you and give you a warning or ticket you! Indoors though, they didn’t seem to have as strict measures since the government never mandated that there had to be space between tables in restaurants or hard social distancing rules. Because of that (and my paranoia), we made decisions to not eat at certain restaurants.
Also, because it was around Christmastime, there were more travelers going to the Florida Keys and vacationing in the area. It’s one way in, one way out so the traffic can get really backed up, but luckily we left before it got jammed pack with weekenders.
Government Announces New Rules For Traveling Outside The Country During The Pandemic
It was about 5 days before our flight back to Canada, and the government had just announced that starting January 7th, you will be required to have proof of a negative COVID test in order to board your flight back to Canada. Thank God we had booked our flight to fly back to Toronto on January 6th – we just made the cut. We also got a scare that Air Canada cancelled our flight due to government regulation, but thankfully they rebooked us to a different flight on the same day that flew out earlier.
At The Airport in Fort Lauderdale
There was a huge amount of travelers at the airport either traveling outside the country or between states. You also couldn’t find a seat at your gate unless you were there super early. People seemed to be just fed up with the pandemic and wanted to travel at this point. I also overheard a lot of conversations from people flying into Canada that seemed really confused about how the rules are and how difficult it would be to fly there or what they were actually supposed to do. I have to agree that throughout the pandemic and the constant changes and updates in regulations, things were very unclear.
On The Flight Back To Canada
Unfortunately, flying back to Canada was not as safe as the other times before. It was a completely full flight and I was in the unlucky middle seat. Also, there were 3 Canadians who sat behind us and were saying things like how it’s so much better in Miami that they can party and wish they could move there because of how open it was compared to Canada and its extremities. I get it, to each their own. It’s been tough times for everyone but it’s important to stay vigilant so that things can go back to “normal”.
Arriving in Canada
Going back to Canada this time, I had actually used the ArriveCAN website to fill out my information prior to my flight as we needed proof of the confirmation code as it was mandatory this time. As we exit the airport to give our customs declaration form to the officer, this time they actually handed each person an information sheet on quarantining guidelines, Health Canada information, and what to do should you have symptoms of COVID.
I received daily emails to check-in with ArriveCAN if I had any symptoms or broke any rules. I also received about 2 phone calls – one automated and one live person. The automated one was to make sure I know the quarantine rules and that I stay home and the live person just called to check in if I had any questions about quarantining. There were no visit by a police officer.
New Updates on Leaving & Entering Canada
By mid-February 2021, there were more changes and updates by the Government of Canada. Be sure to check the rules before you fly in or out so you don’t get stuck! To fly out of Canada, you have to do a COVID test at least 72 hours prior to your flight. For Canadians, this would be free but for foreigners, they have to pay about $150 CAD for this test as the government doesn’t want Canadian taxpayers to cover this cost.
Since then, there has been updates that if you come into Canada by air, you will have to get a negative COVID test prior to arrival, get tested on arrival, and then quarantine at one of their designated hotels at your own cost for 3 days while waiting for your new test results. For travelers coming by land, they will only have to provide a negative COVID test in addition to getting tested again upon entry.
Although this is the new rule, I have seen video clips and news articles that Canadians are bypassing this mandatory hotel stay due to the inability to book because of long wait times or they just simply don’t want to. Apparently by law, they can’t force you to nor do they have the manpower. I’m not sure what happens after this but as long as you quarantine you may be able to get away with it. The prices of these hotels are also ridiculously expensive through this program (about $300-400 CAD per night per person) whereas if you booked it as a regular hotel stay, it would probably be under $100 per night.
It’s also been reported that those who “don’t meet requirements” are whisked away to an undisclosed government facility with no say in the matter. Let’s just say it is risky right now to be traveling outside the country during the pandemic. Of course, this will also depend on which country you’re from and which country you’re going to.
What Next For Traveling Outside The Country During The Pandemic?
With so much uncertainty and the costly risk, I will personally wait until new announcements are made and these rules are expunged before traveling outside the country during the pandemic again. It will take time but all we can do is be patient and do our part.
Let me know your experience if you have travelled recently in the comments!