Maple News reports that starting next week, all international travellers heading to the United States will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of their departure. This new measure, announced by President Joe Biden on December 2, comes in response to global concerns about the rapidly spreading Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
The updated travel requirement applies universally — regardless of a traveller’s nationality or vaccination status. However, foreign nationals who are unvaccinated remain barred from entering the U.S., with very limited exceptions. These changes form part of a broader strategy introduced by the White House to limit the spread of both the Delta and Omicron variants as the winter travel season begins.
In contrast, Canada recently updated its own rules, notably exempting U.S. travellers from its enhanced testing and quarantine protocols — although that decision may be subject to change depending on future developments. Fully vaccinated travellers from countries other than the U.S. must currently undergo arrival testing and isolate until a negative result is confirmed.
Canadian Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos has indicated that discussions will continue with provincial authorities and counterparts in the U.S. to synchronize cross-border safety measures. However, no further public updates have been shared since November 30.
In parallel, Canada’s existing regulations mandate that anyone boarding a plane or train within the country must be fully vaccinated. This domestic safeguard complements international travel restrictions, especially for individuals coming from high-risk regions.
Specifically, Canada has imposed a travel ban on foreign nationals who have visited any of the following 10 countries within the past 14 days: Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Canadian citizens and permanent residents returning from these nations must comply with strict testing and quarantine rules.
These returning travellers must present a negative PCR test taken in a third country, undergo additional testing upon arrival, and quarantine for 14 days. An additional test on day 8 is also required. Air travellers are directed to a government-approved quarantine facility while awaiting their initial results and are only allowed to exit once a negative outcome is confirmed.
Governments on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border continue to evaluate and recalibrate entry measures as new data emerges about the Omicron variant, but for now, international travellers must be prepared for heightened scrutiny and tighter timelines when planning any cross-border journey.