All air, train, cruise passengers in Canada must be vaccinated by October

Dhaka: Canada will require all air, train and cruise passengers to be fully vaccinated before travelling by October, said the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. The move marks an important milestone in the country's attempt to resume normal travel operations.

The decision comes only days after Canada began welcoming fully-vaccinated travellers from the United States without the need to quarantine. It also comes a few months before Canada plans to lift its ban on cruise ships.

"Driving vaccine uptake in Canada to as high a level as possible is one of the most effective, and least disruptive, means at our disposal to sustain the gains we have made in recent months, and ensure that we continue on our path to economic recovery, and a healthier and more equitable future," said Jean-Yves Duclos, President of the Treasury Board.

"With this announcement, we are doing more to protect the health and safety of Canadians and reduce the risk of Covid-19."

So far, more than 82 per cent of eligible Canadians have received at least a first dose of a vaccine, and over 71 per cent are fully vaccinated, according to the government.