Canada lifts COVID-19 travel restrictions starting Oct. 1

Canada announced Monday the country will as of Oct. 1 drop all COVID-19 restrictions for travelers.

The decision includes the end of vaccination and masking requirements for airline and train passengers, which is likely to help Canada’s travel industry, according to Reuters.

"As Canadians and international visitors look to make travel plans, the long-awaited removal of all remaining measures effective Oct. 1, 2022 will further expedite recovery for our industry and the Canadian economy," said WestJet Airlines, Canada's second-largest carrier.

The Canadian government was reportedly under pressure from the airline industry to end at least the mask mandates because so many passengers would not comply.

Government officials said they made the decision based on the country’s vaccination rate, the availability of newer vaccines and treatments and data showing the country had passed the peak of the latest wave of coronavirus infections, Reuters also reports.