The Government of Canada is asking that all travellers have a non-medical mask or face covering large enough to cover their mouth and nose during their travel through Canadian airports and in-flight.

You must confirm you have the mandatory non-medical mask or face covering as part of the registration or check-in process otherwise you will not be allowed to continue on your journey.

At a minimum, you will be asked to wear the non-medical mask or face covering:

• at airport screening checkpoints;

• during the flight when they cannot physically distance from others, including at all times when they are 2 metres or less from another person, except another occupant of the person’s private home; or

• as directed by an official of the air operator, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, a Canada Border Services Agency officer, or a Canadian public health official.

Wearing a face covering over the mouth and nose is an important measure that all travellers can take to protect those around them. You’re encouraged to wear a non-medical mask or face covering whenever possible, especially in situations where physical distancing guidelines can’t be maintained. Refusal to comply with the wearing of a non-medical mask or face covering could result in a fine of $5,000.00. Also, you can practice good hygiene by frequently washing your hands and sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue.

Face Covering Exceptions

Face coverings must not be worn under the following circumstances:

• children under two years old;

• passengers with breathing difficulties unrelated to COVID-19;

• at the boarding gate, after handing documents to the air carrier representative, step back to an appropriate distance and lower your face coverings for identity verification. After the verification is complete, you can then re-cover your mouth and nose before collecting your documents;

• during the flight, when the safety of the person could be endangered by wearing a face covering; or when the person is eating, drinking or taking oral medications; and

• at the Customs-controlled area, Travellers will need to lower their face coverings to have their photo taken at the Primary Inspection Kiosk or when asked to do so by a Canada Border Services Agency officer or a Public Health Agency of Canada and/or provincial or territorial official.

Guidelines

For information consult the Government of Canada’s guidelines.

A Non-Medical Mask or Face Covering Should…

• Have multiple layers of absorbent fabric (e.g., cotton);

• Cover the mouth and nose without gaps;

• Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops;

• Allow for easy breathing;

• Be changed if damp or dirty; and

• Stay the same shape after machine washing and drying.

A Non-Medical Mask or Face Covering Should Not Be…

• Placed on infants (e.g., children under the age of 2 years old);

• Placed on anyone who has trouble breathing;

• Placed on anyone who is unconscious;

• Placed on someone incapacitated or unable to remove it without assistance;

• Made exclusively of plastic sheeting or materials that easily fall apart (e.g., tissues);

• Shared with others; and

• Impair vision or interfere with tasks.

Examples of Removable Masks and Face Coverings Made of Cloth

• Sewn masks;

• No-sew masks using a t-shirt; and

• No-sew masks using a folded scarf/bandana and rubber bands/hair ties.