Maple News reports that starting February 15, Canada will implement stricter COVID-19 testing measures at land border crossings, requiring travellers to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to entry. The move mirrors existing protocols already in place for air travellers and aims to curb the spread of COVID-19 as new variants continue to emerge globally.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that individuals failing to comply with the new requirements could face denial of entry or fines reaching up to $3,000. The PCR test, which detects the virus’s genetic material, remains the gold standard for COVID-19 screening and is already mandatory for international flights entering the country.
For air travellers, the testing protocol goes a step further. In addition to showing a negative test before boarding, passengers must undergo another COVID-19 test upon arrival at designated Canadian airports. As part of new safety measures, they are also required to quarantine in a government-approved hotel for up to three days while awaiting their test results. The stay, estimated at around $2,000 per traveller, includes meals and transportation between the airport and hotel.
These health safeguards are layered over Canada’s mandatory 14-day quarantine for all incoming travellers. The hotel quarantine counts toward this period. Travellers must also continue using the ArriveCAN app to submit travel and contact details prior to arrival.
Currently, only four Canadian airports are authorized to accept international flights—Toronto Pearson, Montreal-Trudeau, Calgary International, and Vancouver International. Canadian airlines have also suspended flights to destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean as part of broader efforts to limit non-essential travel abroad.
Although international travel accounts for only about 2% of Canada’s COVID-19 cases, authorities have implemented these strict measures to maintain control over case spread. According to the Canada Border Services Agency, travel volumes have dropped significantly, with land border crossings down 88% and air travel down 92% year-over-year as of January 31, 2021.
Entry into Canada remains restricted largely to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those travelling for essential reasons or to reunite with family members. The existing travel restrictions are in force until at least February 21 and are widely expected to be extended.
Since March 2020, Canada has upheld various border limitations to manage the public health crisis, continuously adjusting policies in line with scientific recommendations and global trends.
Maple News will continue monitoring Canada’s evolving border rules and keep readers updated on any changes impacting travellers and immigrants.