BIRS Covid-19 Travel Info
Information for all travellers
BIRS and the Banff Centre are participating in the Alberta Government’s Restriction Exemption Program (REP). As part of this program, BIRS in-person participants are required to provide ID and one of the following documents upon check-in at Banff:
- Proof of vaccination
- Document of a medical exemption
- Proof of a privately paid negative rapid test
For international travellers, the ArriveCan app code and a valid international travel identification document is acceptable. For a full list of REP accepted documents please visit the following webpage:
Alberta Government Restriction Exemption Program
In addition to the restrictions outlined below, please review your airline's policies and procedures prior to booking travel.
International Travel Requirements
Entry elegibility
All travellers 5 years of age or older, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, must provide proof of a COVID-19 molecular test result to enter Canada. Please visit the following link to check if you are eligible to enter Canada and to learn about what entry requirements will apply to you during travel:
Government of Canada entry information
Participants entering Canada should download the Government of Canada’s ArriveCAN app before their departing flight for the most up-to-date travel information before and after entry to Canada:
ArriveCAN Quarentine Plan
Choose a hotel near the Calgary International Airport as a quarantine location for the purposes of your "Quarentine Plan" for entering Canada with the ArriveCAN app. You'll need to enter the hotel address in the ArriveCAN app as part of the screening process. It is not necessary to make a reservation at the hotel.
BIRS cannot provide quarantine accommodation in Banff for travellers who test positive for Covid-19 upon arrival in Calgary. If you test positive for Covid-19 at the airport, please follow the instructions of Canadian Border Services.
Return travel
Many countries (including the United States) require air passengers to provide a negative Covid-19 test result before boarding their return flight from Canada. Please take time to look into your home country’s regulations before you arrange your return travel itinerary. Some countries require negative PCR or molecular tests, while others accept negative antigen tests.
Testing for return travellers can be done at the Calgary Airport international departure terminal or at the Go Rapid Test location in Banff. The Banff testing location is a 15 minute walk from BIRS. Please visit the following link to book an appropriate test on your departure date:
