Canada to remove all COVID travel restrictions from Oct 1

A man pushes a baggage cart wearing a mandatory face mask as a "Healthy Airport" initiative is launched for travel, taking into account social distancing protocols to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ontario, Canada June 23, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio

Canada will drop all COVID-19 restrictions for travellers from October 1, including vaccination and masking requirements for flights and trains, the government said on Monday.

Reuters reports the decision to end restrictions was based on Canada's vaccination rate, availability of newer vaccines and treatments, and data showing the country had passed the peak of the latest wave of coronavirus infections.

More than 90% of Canadians over 12 have taken the primary series of COVID vaccines. This month, Canada authorised Moderna Inc's bivalent COVID-19 shots for adults, the country's first Omicron-adapted vaccine.

A requirement for travellers to wear masks on planes and trains would also be dropped. Cruise ship passengers and crew would no longer be subject to vaccine requirements or COVID testing.