Maple News reports that Canada has implemented strict COVID-19 testing regulations for all international travellers aged five and over. Effective since February 22, these measures require all incoming travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test result before entering the country, regardless of their vaccination status.
Travellers must provide proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test—such as a PCR or RT-PCR—taken no more than 72 hours before arriving at the border or prior to their scheduled flight. Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and continue to test positive may still enter Canada, provided their test was conducted between 14 and 90 days before arrival. This exception recognizes that certain individuals can test positive even when they are no longer infectious.
Importantly, the requirement for a pre-arrival test does not exempt travellers from Canada’s mandatory 14-day quarantine. Travellers must have a clear plan for completing their isolation, including access to food, medicine, and other necessities. Violations of quarantine rules may result in severe penalties, including fines up to CAD $750,000 or imprisonment for up to six months.
In addition to pre-arrival testing, all international travellers entering Canada by land or air must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival. For those entering at land borders, tests must be taken at designated ports of entry where on-site testing is available. Currently, five land crossings offer testing: Douglas (BC), Coutts (Alberta), Queenston-Lewiston Bridge (Ontario), St. Bernard de Lacolle (Quebec), and St. Stephen 3rd Bridge (New Brunswick). Eleven more locations are expected to be equipped with testing facilities starting March 4, 2021.
Air travellers are subject to additional requirements. Upon landing, they must undergo testing and stay in a government-approved hotel for up to three days while awaiting results. Travellers who test negative may complete the remainder of their quarantine at home, while those who test positive will be transferred to designated federal isolation facilities.
There are a few exemptions to post-arrival testing. These include children under five, diplomats and their couriers, and individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 between 14 and 90 days prior to travel. Travelers meeting specific quarantine exemptions may also be excluded from testing.
These enhanced measures aim to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to public health while continuing to manage international travel amidst the pandemic.