Canada Lifts Travel Ban on Egypt, 9 African Countries

The federal government lifted a widely criticized travel ban on 10 African countries, including Egypt, and required Canadian citizens taking short trips abroad to get tested for COVID-19 before returning to Canada.

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced the ban would be lifted effective as of December 18. The travel ban was imposed during the emergence of the new variant "Omicron".

Canada is bringing back its requirement for Canadians and permanent residents who travel abroad for less than 72 hours to get a negative COVID-19 test before returning to Canada.

Duclos said at a news conference in Ottawa that pre-test requirements for entry will take effect on December 21 and travelers must take the test in a country other than Canada.

Last week, The Globe reported that Canada was the only country among the G7 to have additional third-country testing requirements as part of the travel ban.