Nova Scotia has removed all remaining COVID-19 restrictions in the community. For general information and updates about COVID-19 and tourism, visit https://tourismns.ca/covid-19-updates-and-resources.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions for tourism businesses.
What resources and supports are available to help tourism businesses deal with the impacts of COVID-19?
See the latest COVID-19 programs, resources and supports for tourism businesses. Any changes or additions to programs or resources will be added to this page as necessary. However, we encourage you to visit program pages directly for eligibility and application details.
What are the current travel restrictions?
As of October 1, 2022 COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted. Read below for more details.
Travel from outside Canada (International):
The Government of Canada announced the removal of all COVID-19 entry restrictions, as well as testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada, effective October 1, 2022. Travellers are no longer required to enter their public health information via ArriveCan.
For more information please visit COVID-19: Travel, testing, quarantine and borders - Travel.gc.ca. Be sure to check the site frequently, as conditions may change based on the situation with COVID-19.
While masks will no longer be required on airplanes and trains as of October 1, travellers are still strongly encouraged to wear masks during their journey. People should not travel if they are feeling unwell or have symptoms of COVID-19.
Note: As of January 5, all air travellers who are two years of age and older, arriving on flights originating from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao, will need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result, taken no more than two days before their departure, to the airline prior to boarding. These measures will apply to air travellers, regardless of nationality and vaccination status. They are temporary measures, in place for 30 days, that will be reassessed as more data and evidence becomes available.
All questions about international travel should be directed to the Canada Border Services Agency: English 1-800-461-9999 / French 1-800-959-2036 / outside Canada: 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 / tccu-ustcc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Note for international travellers departing from Nova Scotia:
Travellers are responsible for learning the rules and travel restrictions of the airline and the country they are travelling to. Travellers can check on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) website for more information. You can input the source and destination Country to view any restrictions and requirements: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/
COVID tests required for travel can be booked through PRAXES (PCR) or Switch Health (PCR + Antigen). Please visit these sites for further details on pricing and scheduling.
Travellers are responsible for the costs for tests required for travel.
Travel from within Canada (domestic):
All border restrictions for domestic travellers are lifted. People travelling from other Canadian provinces and territories no longer need to isolate when they arrive in Nova Scotia and no longer need to complete a form.
Who needs to self-isolate and when?
For more information on who is recommended to self-isolate and when, see https://www.nshealth.ca/what-do-i-need-know-about-covid-19-self-isolation.
If travellers require a COVID test to go to another country or return to their country of origin, how do they book a test?
Travellers are responsible for learning the rules and travel restrictions of the airline and the country they are travelling to. Travellers can check on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) website for more information. You can input the source and destination Country to view any restrictions and requirements: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/
COVID tests required for travel can be booked through PRAXES (PCR) or Switch Health (PCR + Antigen). Please visit these sites for further details on pricing and scheduling.
Please note, travellers are responsible for the costs for tests required for travel.
Where can I point my customers to get more information about travel restrictions and public health guidelines?
Travellers can find more information about public health guidelines at the following links:
- Government of Canada - https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid?topic=tilelink#f
- Province of Nova Scotia - https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/travel/
- Tourism Nova Scotia - https://www.novascotia.com/travel-info/coronavirus
Can businesses refuse service to customers if they have travelled outside of the region in the last 14 days?
Businesses understandably want to protect their staff and customers from COVID-19. We cannot refuse service to people just because we're afraid they may have come into contact with the virus. In fact, refusal of service for this reason could result in a complaint under the Human Rights Act. Businesses who decide to refuse service should be aware of the implications of this action. If a person is following public health rules, a businesses should not be refusing to serve them just because they were in another jurisdiction.
What businesses are allowed to open and under what restrictions?
The Province of Nova Scotia has lifted all remaining COVID-19 restrictions in the community. There are no longer gathering limits or social distancing and masking requirements for businesses and businesses are able to open.
Many sectors had approved COVID-19 sector-specific plans that may continue to provide guidance for these sectors.
Stay up to date on COVID-19 information at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/.
What measures should workplaces continue to take?
Workplaces need safety plans in place as part of their occupational health and safety requirements.
All sector organizations should update their COVID-19 prevention plans to reflect current requirements, recommendations and safety practices, post them on their websites and encourage their members to follow them.
Employers should encourage their employees to get vaccinated and support them to stay home when they are sick and to continue wearing masks if they wish. Any screening questions should focus on advising people who are feeling sick to stay home.
Are there guidelines for keeping my business clean that are specific to the tourism industry?
The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS), in partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia, is offering a new Clean it Right training program that provides tourism businesses with clearly defined policies and procedures for cleaning and disinfecting their facilities.
Learn About the Clean it Right Program
The program is available online at no cost for the tourism industry for a limited time. Register at https://nstourismstrong.ca/clean-it-right/
Can I host an event/festival?
There are no longer restrictions on gathering sizes or social distancing and festivals and events can resume.
Businesses hosting events need to recognize that measures to prevent respiratory illnesses are part of their occupational health and safety responsibilities to their employees and patrons. See https://events.novascotia.ca/covid-19-advice-for-events.
Where are people required to wear masks/face coverings in Nova Scotia?
While masks are no longer required in most public places, To protect yourself and others, Public Health recommends that you wear a mask if you're in a crowded, indoor place or feel sick. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19, Public Health recommends that you wear a mask if you can't self-isolate.
However, some restrictions may remain in high-risk settings like healthcare and continuing care.
Can businesses and organizations set their own COVID-19 policies above and beyond Provincial rules?
From an occupational health and safety perspective, workplaces need to treat COVID-19 and other illnesses as hazards to be mitigated. A business or organization should follow general guidance for living safely with COVID-19 in a highly vaccinated population. They can choose to set their own policies with safety measures for employees, volunteers and/or clients. They need to do their own research about any legal and ethical implications of the policies they wish to set.
Is proof of vaccination required at businesses/attractions in Nova Scotia?
Starting February 28, 2022, proof of full vaccination is no longer required to participate in discretionary, non-essential events and activities that gather people together (like going to restaurants, movies, sports events, theatre performances, social events and the gym).
Businesses and organizations can set their own vaccination policies. Any policies should take legal and ethical implications into consideration. You can also ask questions about employer and employee rights by contacting contact Labour Standards at hrcinquiries@novascotia.ca.
Can a business or organization have a vaccine policy that is stricter than the provincewide policy?
A business or organization could choose to set a vaccine policy that is stricter than the provincewide policy. However, we’ve designed the provincewide protocol to balance safety with some reasonable exceptions. Any policies should take legal and ethical implications into consideration. People who are not fully vaccinated need to be able to access essential services. You can also ask questions about employer and employee rights by contacting contact Labour Standards at hrcinquiries@novascotia.ca.