OTTAWA Prime Minister Justin Trudeau set expectations for Canadians Tuesday, saying the federal government could impose new travel restrictions without advance notice at any time to curb the transmission of COVID-19 .

He cautioned Canadians against making non-essential travel plans and said the government is keeping a close watch on COVID-19 variants that have emerged in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil.

Its not the time to be travelling abroad, Trudeau said during a press briefing outside his Ottawa home. He asked people, on behalf of all Canadians, to cancel any booked trips.

Its not worth catching COVID-19 and bringing it back to Canada for a trip down south or elsewhere.

Watch: Trudeau is leaving the door open to tighter travel restrictions. Story continues below video: