Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City at sunset

Here’s a list of all the places Canadians can travel to without a COVID test

For the better half of 2021, Canadians faced severe travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While certain measures, like the mandatory three-day quarantine upon re-entry to Canada, have been lifted, severe restrictions remain in place.

Many countries now require a negative PCR test, proof of vaccination, or both, to enter. Effective October 30, 2021, the government of Canada enacted a mandatory vaccination requirement for travel within and to depart Canada, which remains in place for all Canadians, with only some exceptions to the rule.

For those who are seeking an escape to a destination that has not yet mandated proof of a negative PCR test, here are five places to consider.

Mexico

Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City at sunset
Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City.

Mexico requires a tourist card from any visitors to the country, but this is a practice that began well before the pandemic. Other than this documentation, there are no additional COVID-19 documents required for your stay, and testing and quarantine upon arrival is not mandatory. Typically, the airline you’re flying on will hand out the tourist card (often referred to as the immigration form) and you can fill it out prior to landing. Once you’ve landed, simply show the card to the customs officer along with your passport. Make sure you keep your tourist card safe and secure for the duration of your stay–a lost tourist card will result in a fine, and could cause problems during your departure from the country.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Mexico, click here.

Colombia

Bright white stone streets of Cartagena, Coloumbia.
Cartagena, Colombia.

International travellers, including Canadians, are not required to submit a negative PCR test to gain entry to Colombia. However, you must fill out the mandatory Check-Mig registration form at least 24 hours prior to your flight. Face masks and additional health and safety measures remain in place throughout the country, and visitors are expected to follow all health and safety guidelines during their stay.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Colombia, click here.

Costa Rica

Rio Celeste Waterfall at Tenorio Volcano National Park in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The colour of the water is an exceptionally bright sky blue.
Rio Celeste Waterfall at Tenorio Volcano National Park in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

The Government of Costa Rica does not require tourists entering by air, land or sea to present a negative COVID-19 test, nor quarantine upon arrival. However, all tourists are expected to abide by health and safety guidelines that have been put in place. All visitors must complete the digital form called Health Pass which can be accessed here. Vaccinated tourists must also attach their vaccination certificate to the Health Pass, and are required to provide proof of travel insurance with coverage for a minimum of five days during the duration of their stay.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Costa Rica, click here.

Cuba

Havana, Cuba.

Like Mexico, Cuba has a mandatory tourist card that’s required for entry and is handed out by the airline. A negative PCR test is not required for vaccinated travellers, and all Health Canada approved vaccines and mixed vaccines are accepted. Children under the age of 12 are not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test. Upon departure from Cuba, Canadians can pay a fee of $30 USD to receive the mandatory PCR test that is required to re-enter Canada. 

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Cuba, click here.

Dominican Republic

Miches, Dominican Republic.

Canadians are among the list of countries who do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry to the Dominican Republic. However, random aleatory breath testing is in place upon arrival at select ports, which could apply to Canadians who are exempt from Canada’s vaccination rule. While proof of vaccination is not checked by officials upon arrival, those who wish to leave designated hotels and resorts affiliated with the Ministry of Tourism must show proof of complete vaccination (two valid doses) to enter bars, restaurants, and other facilities on the island.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to the Dominican Republic, click here.

The World’s 17 Best Beaches

From remote stretches of sand in far-flung locales to the ever-popular Caribbean getaways, there is a bounty of spectacular places for travellers to soak up the sun, whether they seek white, pink or even black  sand. So, where should you plan your beach escape for next winter? Why not try one of the top 17 beaches in the world as voted by the experts, Canadian travel agents.

1. VARADERO BEACH, CUBA Overwhelmingly popular, Cuba’s Varadero Beach is ranked one of the absolute best. With its icing sugar sand, Varadero Beach is often described as the softest, whitest, cleanest beach.
2. GRACE BAY BEACH, TURKS AND CAICOS Photo Courtesy of Turks & Caicos Tourist Board
3. SEVEN MILE BEACH, NEGRIL, JAMAICA While it may actually only measure 6.3 miles, Negril's Seven Mile Beach still measures up as one of the top beaches in the world. With world-class sunsets, white sands, and warm waters, it's no wonder this stretch of beach is nicknamed “seven miles of heaven.” Photo Courtesy of Couples Resorts Jamaica
4. BLACK SAND BEACH (PA’ILOA), WAI’ANAPANAPA STATE PARK AND KAANAPALI BEACH, HAWAII
5. PUNTA MAROMA, MEXICO
6. Bavaro Beach DOMINICAN Courtesy of Barcelo Hotel & Resorts
7. CABLE BEACH, BAHAMAS Photo Courtesy of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Located in Nassau, Bahamas, travellers love the Cable Beach area for its beautiful beaches and snorkelling. Many resorts and intimate hideaways are beachfront or just a short stroll away, but no matter where you’re staying in Nassau Paradise Island, you're mere minutes from wiggling your toes in the sand and frolicking in warm, multi-hued azure waters stretching as far as the eye can see.
8. MATIRA BEACH, BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA Photo by Marc Gérard
9. SIESTA KEY AND ST. PETE BEACH
10. PATONG BEACH, PHUKET AND RAILAY BEACH, KRABI, THAILAND Photo Courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand
11. SEVEN MILE BEACH, GRAND CAYMAN The Cayman Islands, a peaceful British Overseas Territory, is packed with endless activities, the ultimate culinary scene, and, of course, the renowned Seven Mile Beach. It's the perfect spot to stroll miles of warm powdery white sand, relax under a swaying palm tree, or dive into calm crystal-clear waters. This is paradise.
12. EAGLE BEACH, ARUBA Photo Courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority
13. WHITEHAVEN BEACH, AUSTRALIA Photo Courtesy of Day Dream Island
14. MAGENS BAY AND TRUNK BAY, USVI
15. THE BEACHES OF AITUTAKI AND RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS
Photo Courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises
15. THE BEACHES OF AITUTAKI AND RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS Photo Courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises
16. CRANE BEACH, BARBADOS A perennial favourite of “best beaches” lists, Crane Beach, Barbados feels secluded, with towering cliffs to one side, and protected by natural coral reef. Picture-perfect pink sand, close proximity to the airport, and amenities of the nearby The Crane Resort, make this beach a stand-out.
17. HORSESHOE BAY, BERMUDA

Cuba’s Coolest City – Havana by Day & Night

DAY

By day, the streets of Old Havana fill with tourists eagerly exploring Cuba’s thriving cultural capital.

CHECK-IN Any claims that Havana lacks true luxury hotels will quickly be put to rest by the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana. This five-star property in Old Havana began life as a shopping arcade more than a century ago. The 246 rooms and suites feature high ceilings and French windows. For those who like to be pampered, head to the spa or rooftop pool with its sweeping views of the district. www.kempinski.com/havana

FOOD A celebrity hangout since opening its doors in the 1940s, start the day with breakfast in the gardens of the storied Hotel Nacional de Cuba overlooking the Caribbean Sea. www.hotelnacionaldecuba.com

EXPLORE In Old Havana, take a walk along its charming cobblestone streets. Bars, restaurants, outdoor cafés, cigar lounges, and historic attractions abound in this gloriously restored district. Stop at La Bodeguita del Medio for a mojito. labodeguitarestaurant.restaurantwebx.com

HISTORY Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll find the Museum of the Revolution enthralling with its many exhibits telling of the guerrilla campaign that brought Fidel Castro to power and its recounting of Cold War tensions. www.cuba-museums-guide.com

STYLE Havana can be hot. Explore the city in the comfort of a chauffeured ‘60s American car, iconic of the city. These stylish vehicles are lovingly maintained and a fun way to get around. Cars for hire can be found outside prominent hotels and popular attractions. Ask your concierge.

NIGHT

Salsa, jazz, and incredible cuisine: night time is the right time in Havana.

FOOD For dinner, how about breaking bread in a restaurant Cuban authorities were confident was suitable for a world leader? San Cristobal hosted former U.S. president Barack Obama when he visited Havana. www.paladarsancristobal.com

PALADAR Or try authentic Cuban cuisine at one of Havana’s growing number of paladars – privately run restaurants licensed by the Cuban government to serve foreigners. La Guarida, whose celebrity guest list includes Robert De Niro, Natalie Portman, Jack Nicholson, and Rihanna, boasts it’s Havana’s “most elegant” paladar. www.laguarida.com

AFTER DINNER What would a visit to Havana be without taking in a show at the famed Tropicana? Presenting spectacular displays of Cuban music and dancing – it’s a must. www.cabaret-tropicana.com

LATE Cuban music and dance have built a worldwide following, and there are many places night owls can choose from. The Melià Cohiba’s Cafe Habana is always lively after sundown. Jazz Café and La Zorra y el Cuervo are renowned Cuban jazz hotspots. And the Buena Vista Social Club or Café Parisien at The Hotel Nacional de Cuba are other great choices in a city of great choices. Check out www.lahabana.com for a full list of late night hot spots.