Where can I find out more about COVID-19?
Customers are encouraged to consult the destination page on www.travel.gc.ca for the latest travel advice – the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) will continue to adapt advice for travellers based on the latest science available. They should also register with the Government of Canada at www.travel.ca/register prior to travel.
Does Sunwing offer any insurance to cover me during my vacation?
Yes, your Sunwing vacation package (excluding cruise packages or air only bookings) that includes flights on board Sunwing Airlines now includes complimentary COVID-19 Coverage when you book between September 27, 2021 and January 17, 2022 for travel between November 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022. The plan is applicable for up to 22 days of travel and covers up to $200,000 in medical coverage, such as medical consultations, specialty care, hospital admittance, surgery and cost of air ambulance, if medically necessary. Travellers can also upgrade to the Manulife Pandemic Travel Plan which includes upgraded emergency medical costs and trip interruption coverage from as low as $4/day or $28/week. More information can be found on the COVID-19 Medical Coverage page.
Am I required to wear a face mask while travelling through the airport or on board the aircraft?
Regardless of vaccination status, all travellers are still required to wear a non-medical face mask throughout their entire travel journey except for brief periods (not exceeding 15 minutes) while eating, drinking or taking oral medication, or unless otherwise exempt. Failure to comply with the Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19 could result in a fine of up to $5,000
The country you are visiting may also require that you wear a face mask on arrival at their airport, as well as in public spaces, including at your hotel. Please ensure you are familiar with the restrictions imposed by the local authorities at your destination and at your hotel before travelling.
Why is Transport Canada still requiring the wearing of masks in airports and on board flights to, from and within Canada, while some provinces are removing this requirement?
Although the epidemiological situation is improving domestically, in general public health authorities continue to recommend the wearing of a non-medical face mask to protect others around us from the spread of COVID-19, especially in situations where physical distancing is hard to maintain (such as seated on an aircraft, customs hall or during a physical screening process).
I’m not showing any symptoms of COVID-19. Do I still have to wear a face mask?
Yes, everyone travelling through Canadian airports must wear a non-medical face mask regardless of whether or not they’ve been exposed to or recovered from COVID-19. Not wearing a mask could result in a financial penalty of up to $5,000.00.
Can I purchase a face mask at the airport?
No, you must arrive at the airport with a non-medical mask already in your possession. Most airport stores are currently closed due to provincial and federal regulations and those stores that remain open have extremely limited stock.
What is considered an acceptable form of a non-medical face mask?
We recommend following the Government of Canada website around non-medical masks.
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Removable masks / face coverings SHOULD: |
Removable masks / face coverings SHOULD NOT: |
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ü Be made of at least 3 layers*: 2 layers should be made of tightly woven fabric (such as cotton or linen) and between these layers should be a layer of a filter-type fabric ü Cover the mouth, nose and chin completely and comfortably (without big gaps) ü Allow for easy breathing ü Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops (masks covering a person’s beard or secured around a headwear (e.g. turban) are also considered acceptable) ü Be comfortable and not require frequent adjustments ü Be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty ü Maintain its shape after machine washing and drying |
x Be placed on children younger than 2 years old x Be placed on anyone who is unconscious x Be placed on anyone unable to remove them without assistance x Be placed on anyone with a medical certificate indicating they should not wear a mask x Be made exclusively of plastic sheeting, lace or mesh, or materials that easily fall apart (e.g., tissues) x Be shared with others x Impair vision or interfere with tasks |
Is there anything I need to do before I head out on my vacation?
With travel requirements changing rapidly as a result of COVID-19, it is your responsibility to regularly check the restrictions put in place by the border authorities of the country you are planning to visit as well as the Government of Canada website at www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories. This includes travel restrictions and self-isolation plans as required under Canadian federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions. Travellers may also be subject to health screenings prior to boarding. Sunwing will not be responsible for and will not assume any expense in the event that you are refused entry into your country of destination or denied travel on your return flight due to these restrictions.
Travellers going to destination should also be aware that, starting January 15, 2022, if they have had or suspect they had COVID-19 in the last 11 and 180 days, they could carry confirmation of their previous positive PCR test result to show at check-in for their return flight to Canada (provided that the test result is dated no sooner than the timeframe indicated above).
Some countries also have mandatory health forms that must be filled out electronically before departure. Certain destinations may require a negative result from a COVID-19 test upon arrival. Ensure you are familiar with the restrictions imposed by the local authorities at your destination. For more information, please visit:
Antigua: https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/travel-advisory/
Aruba: https://www.aruba.com/us/traveler-health-requirements
Bahamas: https://www.bahamas.com/tourism-reopening
Costa Rica: https://salud.go.cr/
Cuba: https://gocuba.ca
Dominican Republic: https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/newsroom/coronavirus/
Grenada: http://www.puregrenada.com/travel-advisory/ and https://covid19.gov.gd/
Jamaica: https://www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization/
Mexico: http://afac.hostingerapp.com/ and https://www.aicm.com.mx/pasajeros/tips-para-pasajeros-2/aviso-importante
Mexico (Spanish only): https://coronavirus.gob.mx/ and http://afac.hostingerapp.com/ (Traveller Entry Form)
Saint Lucia: https://www.stlucia.org/en/covid-19/
St Maarten: https://stmaartenupdates.com/
For all other countries, please visit IATA (https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm) for more information about your destination's entry requirements.
Requirements may change so please check the above websites regularly for the most up to date information.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information, we assume no liability or responsibility for the completeness, accuracy or usefulness of the information. It is the user’s responsibility to validate the information using up-to-date official government guidelines and recommendations.
We also strongly recommend that travellers download the Sunwing mobile app. The app offers a wide range of helpful features including real-time updates, 24/7 support, exclusive offers, entertainment and more.
What do I need to do prior to boarding my flight to Canada?
Prior to boarding, all travellers 5 years of age and older must provide Sunwing with proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of your scheduled departure time.
Persons who have previously contracted COVID-19 may continue to test positive for up to 180 days. Starting January 15, 2022, travellers that previously had COVID-19 but have since recovered can provide proof of a previous positive COVID-19 molecular test result taken between 11 and 180 days ago. If Sunwing Airlines is presented with a COVID-19 positive test (rapid antigen tests are not acceptable) on January 15 dated 11 days prior, the traveller will meet the requirements and be accepted for travel.
Travellers to Canada must also use the most up to date version of the ArriveCAN app or website to digitally submit their travel and contact information, 14-day travel history, quarantine plan, vaccination information, and COVID-19 symptom self-assessment. This must be completed before boarding their flight to Canada within 72 hours of their scheduled departure time.
What happens if I don’t get my molecular test result before my return flight to Canada?
You will be denied boarding if you don’t present a valid, negative molecular test result at the airport. If you are travelling with us as part of an all inclusive package, please contact your Sunwing representative via the Sunwing App who can assist with the booking of a new return flight and any additional accommodations. Alternatively, you can contact your travel agent directly to book a new flight or accommodations. Please note that all additional costs are the sole responsibility of the traveller.
What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
You must remain in destination and will not be permitted to travel to the airport or board your flight to Canada. Travellers are permitted to board with a residual positive test result conducted at least 11 days but no more than 180 days prior from the scheduled departure flight to Canada. Travellers must also be symptom-free.
If you are travelling with us as part of an all inclusive package, please contact your Sunwing representative via the Sunwing App, or contact your travel agent directly to book a new return flight. Your Sunwing representative can also assist with booking accommodations, if needed. Please note that all additional costs are the sole responsibility of the traveller.
What COVID-19 tests are acceptable for entry into Canada?
Tests must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular test, such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test. The test result must also include the following information:
- Traveller’s name and date of birth or age
- Name and civic address of the laboratory/clinic/facility that administered the test
- The date on which the test was conducted (For negative tests – the test must have been administered within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time of the flight. For positive tests (travellers that previously had COVID-19 but have since recovered and are still testing positive) - the test must have been administered at least 11 days but no more than 180 days
- The method of molecular test conducted (e.g. PCR or RT-LAMP)
- The test result
Information is available on travel.gc.ca about local COVID-19 testing facilities for certain destinations. Travellers must ensure that the COVID test results include all of the above-noted information.
What is the definition of a fully vaccinated passenger?
To qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller within or from Canada, you must have received:
- the full series or an acceptable combination of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine; and
- your last dose at least 14 full days prior to the day you travel
Effective November 30, 2021, the accepted COVID-19 vaccines in Canada are as follows:
- Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2)
- Moderna (Spikevax, mRNA-1273)
- AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria, AZD1222)
- Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S)
- Sinopharm (Beijing) BBIBP-CorV (Vero Cells)
- Sinovac (CoronaVac, PiCoVacc)
- Bharat Biotech (Covaxin, BBV152 A, B, C)
How will travellers provide confirmation of vaccination?
Travellers are strongly encouraged to use the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination when travelling; however, travellers can also use a proof of vaccination credential issued by their province or territory, or from their country of vaccination so long as it is a Government of Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine and contains all the mandatory data elements.
All proof of vaccinations must be provided in English or French (or a certified translation). For more information, see: How to get your Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination - Canada.ca
Will travellers entering Canada that have proved they are fully vaccinated be exempt from public health measures while travelling in Canada?
No. At this time, all fully vaccinated travellers will be subject to the increased on-arrival testing program and will be required to remain in quarantine at a suitable location until the expiry of the 14- day period that began on the day on which the person entered Canada or until receipt of a negative test result from the day-1 test (whichever comes first). In addition, upon release from quarantine, fully vaccinated travellers will be required to follow local public health guidance, wear a mask when in public, and keep a copy of their test results, and a list of close contacts and locations visited during the 14-day period from entry. Provinces and territories may have their own provincial border measures as well as public health guidelines within their jurisdictions. Therefore, it is important that travellers check for the most up to date information for requirements for travel into Canada, and also requirements imposed by their intended province or territory of destination. They may also apply public health measures for vaccinated Canadians differently. Travellers must comply with both federal and provincial/territorial requirements. In cases where the requirements differ, follow the most stringent measures.
Note: Fully vaccinated travellers who have only travelled to the U.S. in the previous 14 days will not be required to quarantine.
Who is required to take an arrival test upon arrival to Canada?
Upon arrival in Canada, travellers will be subject to an increased on-arrival testing program. If selected, fully vaccinated travellers will undergo an on-arrival test the day they enter Canada. All unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers are required to undergo a molecular COVID-19 test on the day they enter Canada and day-8 following their arrival. Travellers who are “residually positive” (i.e., who have a positive test result that was administered at least 11 days (starting January 15, 2022) but no more than 180 days from the scheduled departure time to Canada) will need to present their positive test result upon arrival in order to be exempt from arrival testing.
Do I need to be fully vaccinated to board an aircraft departing from a Canadian airport?
Yes. All travellers aged 12 years plus 4 months and older, must be fully vaccinated to board a flight departing from Canada unless exempt and must provide evidence demonstrating that they are fully vaccinated.
What are the accepted reasons for an exception due to medical inability to be vaccinated?
Based on the October 22, 2021, recommendation of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, a traveller may qualify for a temporary exception due to medical inability to be vaccinated in order to travel within or depart Canada if they have:
- Certified medical contraindications to full vaccination against COVID-19 with an mRNA vaccine:
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- A history of anaphylaxis after previous administration of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (and noting that most people who experienced a severe immediate allergic reaction after a first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine can safely receive future doses of the same or another mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after consulting with an allergist or another appropriate physician); and/or
- A confirmed allergy to polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is found in the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines (note that if a person is allergic to tromethamine which is found in Moderna, they can receive the Pfizer-BioNTech product).
- Medical reasons for delay of full vaccination against COVID-19: A history of myocarditis/pericarditis following the first dose of an mRNA vaccine; and/or
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- An immunocompromising condition or medication that requires waiting to vaccinate when immune response can be maximized (i.e., waiting to vaccinate when immunocompromised state or medication is lower).
- A medical condition precluding full vaccination against COVID-19 (not covered above), as briefly described by the medical physician or nurse practitioner.
How can I apply for an exception from the vaccination requirement due to medical/religious inability to be vaccinated?
Travellers who believe they are exempt from the mandatory vaccination policy for flights departing a Canadian airport must submit their written requests to Sunwing Airlines Special Service department. Limited exceptions will be granted for medical or religious reasons and air passengers will be required to provide additional documentation to be considered exempt.
Travellers are required to carry the confirmation of exception and proof of the air carrier’s approval with them during their travel journey. Travellers with temporary exemptions will require proof of a valid COVID-19 molecular test result before boarding.
How can I check if I was seated close to someone on my flight who tested positive for COVID-19?
The Government of Canada lists the flights to and from Canada with confirmed cases on their website. To see if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 during your flight and for additional guidance, click here.
Am I required to purchase local health insurance for the country I am visiting?
Some countries do require you to purchase local health insurance upon arrival. With travel requirements changing rapidly as a result of COVID-19, it is your responsibility to regularly check the entry requirements put in place by the border authorities of the country you are planning to visit
Are there any travel restrictions within the country I am visiting?
Some countries have implemented local travel restrictions. Since changes are happening rapidly as a result of COVID-19, we strongly recommend that you check for any restrictions put in place by the authorities of the country you are planning to visit.
Are there any curfews in place within the country I am visiting?
Some countries have implemented curfew. With changes happening rapidly as a result of COVID-19, we strongly recommend that you check for any restrictions put in place by the authorities of the country you are planning to visit
What is my hotel doing to protect me against the COVID-19 virus?
The hotels and resorts that we partner with are working hard to implement changes to ensure the health and safety of both customers and employees. Please visit our Safe with Sunwing page for more details.
What about my local transfers? Have any extra precautions been put in place to protect me against the COVID-19 virus?
Our local representatives will greet you at the airport wearing face coverings. Sanitation procedures on board transfer vehicles have been updated to the highest safety standards and vehicles are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each journey. We have also reduced vehicle capacity to limit the number of people on board and promote social distancing. Please visit our Safe with Sunwing page for more details.
Will local excursions be operating in the destination I am visiting?
Yes, excursions will be available. Our local representatives have implemented new health and safety protocols for our excursion offerings to help you explore your destination with peace of mind and make the most of your getaway. Please visit our Safe with Sunwing page for more details.
Do I need to provide proof of vaccination at the time of booking?
No, proof is not required at the time of booking but you are required to bring proof with you to the airport for your departure.
What happens if I don’t provide the appropriate proof of vaccination or PCR test at the airport? Failure to comply will result in denied boarding and may result in a fine.
When will the mandatory vaccination to travel by air be lifted?
At this time we don’t know when the federal vaccination mandate may be lifted, but will provide further updates as we receive additional details or guidance from the Government of Canada.
I no longer want to travel as I do not intend to have the mandatory vaccination as required. Can I get a refund?
Your booking is subject to the terms and conditions at time of reservation. All deposits are non-refundable and further cancellation penalties may apply depending on the product you have booked or how many days in advance of travel you cancel.
Can I change my date of travel to next year in case the mandatory vaccination requirement is lifted?
You can change your date of travel subject to the terms and conditions at time of booking. Note that you may incur fees or a price change as a result.
I have a travel voucher (or travel credit) that I can no longer use as I will not have the necessary vaccination status to travel. Can I get a refund or transfer my voucher (credit)?
Travel vouchers/travel credits hold no cash value, are non-refundable and non-transferable.
I am booked to travel and I am sharing a double room. My travelling companion is not vaccinated and will need to cancel. Do I have to pay a single supplement surcharge?
Unless you replace your original travelling companion with another traveller, and request a name change (which is subject to a change fee), you will be subject to system rates which may include a single supplement.
I am booked as part of a group. We earned free travel because we met the minimum booking requirement. If some of my group decide to cancel because they will not meet the mandatory vaccine requirement, will we forfeit our group travel concession?
If your group does not meet the minimum group size to qualify for free travel, the concession will be removed from your booking and any balance owing will need to be paid.