Travel and COVID-19 Safety Information

Travel

A valid passport is required for travel in and out of Canada for residents of all countries, including the United States if travelling by air. Residents of some countries may also require a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Please see below regarding important COVID-19 travel information and vaccination/testing requirements.

Airport info

Located just a 20-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, the state-of-the art Ottawa International Airport serves airlines offering flights to most major cities in Canada, the United States and Europe with seasonal services to the Caribbean and South America. It offers more than 110 daily non-stop flights to more than 40 domestic and international destinations.

Airline info (including any travel discount codes we have)

Air Canada is the largest provider of scheduled passenger services within Canada, between Canada and the U.S., and in the international market to and from Canada. The airline provides offers non-stop direct flights to Canada's capital from many cities in Canada, in the U.S., in Europe and in other locations. Nearby hubs like Toronto and Montreal provide easy connections to additional destinations on six continents. http://www.aircanada.com.

Getting from the airport to the hotel

Taxis, car services and car rentals are located just steps outside the airport. Full accessible public transit to downtown Ottawa is also available with OC Transpo bus route 97. Ottawa’s taxi companies can now be booked ahead of time through their convenient apps, text message or online options for seamless pick ups and drop offs, including to and from the airport.


Blue Line Logo

Blue Line is the largest taxi company in the City of Ottawa. To order a taxi, please call 613-238-1111 or through the APP at bluelinetaxiapp.com


Capital Taxi Logo

Capital Taxi, a family owned and operated company since 1937, serving Ottawa & surrounding areas, is available 24/7. Download capitaltaxiapp.ca or text your address to 613-744-3333.

COVID-19 Update: (Last updated on May 15, 2022)

Ottawa Tourism’s top priority is the health and safety of our community and our visitors. Ottawa Tourism encourages all visitors to fully review travel requirements (summarized below) before travel, and to follow all public health measures while visiting Ottawa. Ottawa has a high rate of vaccination and tourism operators are diligent with safety protocols.

Mask requirements or mandates

While the province of Ontario no longer requires masks in most indoor public spaces, there are a few exceptions like public transit and individual establishments which may still ask their customers to wear one; please verify exact conditions with any businesses or attractions you may plan to visit to get up-to-date information. Businesses may also require proof of vaccination.

COVID testing to enter and exit Canada

Travel and Vaccination Considerations:

  • Travelling within Canada: Domestic travel by train, air, and ship requires proof of full vaccination.
  • Travelling to Ottawa from abroad: Canada’s border is open for fully vaccinated visitors, and pre-travel tests are not required for fully vaccinated travelers entering Canada. Check exact requirements, including the required ArriveCAN mobile app, before crossing the border. See Ottawa Public Health’s page on testing for the purpose of pre-travel clearance for a list of locations where pre-travel tests are available.

COVID testing to return to United States

As of June 12, 2022, CDC will not longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.

Protecting yourself from COVID during travel (most recommendations derived from the CDC)

  • Make sure you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Carry a multi-day (5 days over stay) supply of all your medications in case you are detained.
  • Travel with at least one rapid COVID-19 test.
  • In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors.
  • If you are sick and need to be around others, or are caring for someone who has COVID-19, wear a mask.
  • If the COVID-19 Community Level where you live is
    • Low
      • Wear a mask based on your personal preference, informed by your personal level of risk.
    • Medium
      • If you are at risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about wearing masks indoors in public.
      • If you live with or will gather with someone at risk for severe illness, wear a mask when indoors with them.
    • High
      • If you are 2 or older, wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status or individual risk (including in K-12 schools and other community settings).
  • If you are at risk for severe illness, wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection.
  • Stay home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Communicate with the people you will meet with about prevention strategies.

What the conference planners are doing to help ensure your health and safety

  • If you become ill during your stay at the CMV Public Health and Policy Conference, the conference planners have a contingency plan in place to keep you and others safe. Additionally, they will have information on nearby testing and healthcare facilities.
  • Conference planners have rapid COVID-19 test available.
  • Posted risk reduction measures throughout conference site.
  • Availability of hand sanitizer, tissues, and cleaning wipes.
  • Availability of disposable masks.
  • The conference hotel, The Westin Ottawa, has safety measure in place. View hotel protocol