Measles: Travel health advice
On this page
- Travel outside Canada
- Travelling internationally with an infant or child
- If you feel sick when travelling back to Canada
Travel outside of Canada
There is an increase of measles cases in many parts of the world.
If you have symptoms of measles or have been in contact with someone who has measles, you shouldn’t travel. Contact your local public health authority right away and follow their advice.
Anyone who isn’t immune to measles is at risk of being infected, especially when travelling internationally. Before you travel outside of Canada, check with a health care provider that you’ve received the recommended number of doses of the measles vaccine.
- If born before 1970, 1 dose is recommended.
- If born in 1970 or later, 2 doses are recommended.
In Canada, the measles vaccine is part of routine childhood vaccination schedules. It’s given in combination with the mumps and rubella vaccines (MMR), and sometimes also with the chickenpox vaccine (MMRV).
If you're planning to travel internationally:
- review the global travel health notice for measles
- make sure you have the recommended measles vaccinations
- review travel advice and advisories for your destination
- consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably 6 weeks before you travel, to get personalized advice and recommendations
Learn more:
Travelling internationally with an infant or child
If you're travelling internationally with an infant between 6 months and less than 1 year of age, discuss early measles vaccination with your child’s health care provider. The vaccine may be given as early as 6 months of age if you're travelling to a place where measles is a concern.
Before travelling internationally, you should ensure that children and youth have received 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine based on provincial and territorial vaccination schedules.
Learn more:
If you feel sick when travelling back to Canada
If you begin to experience any symptoms during your travel back to Canada, you should:
- put on a well-fitting respirator or mask
- limit contact with other people if possible
- inform the flight attendant, cruise staff and/or a border services officer as soon as possible
- you may be referred to a quarantine officer when you enter Canada for a health assessment and further direction
Learn more:
- Measles: Symptoms and treatment
- If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
- Respiratory infectious diseases: What personal protective measures to use
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