Negative COVID-19 test required for travel into Canada

The Canadian government has announced new updates to the current Canadian travel restrictions. Those traveling into Canada from January 7th, 2021 will now require a negative COVID-19 test in order to be allowed to board their flight to Canada.

Travellers need to complete a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test or a Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) test within 72 hours of their departure for Canada. The traveller has to present the results of the COVID-19 test to show that it was negative. Failure to do so will result in the traveller not being able to board their flight to Canada. This rule applies to all travellers including Canadian Citizens, permanent residents and foreign nationals.

All those looking to travel to Canada from January 7th, 2021 onwards will need to ensure that there is a facility available for them to have the COVID-19 test completed within 72 hours of their travels. Those who cannot obtain the required test will not be able to comply with Canada’s newest Canadian travel restrictions, and will not be allowed to board their flight to Canada. Proof of having a COVID_19 vaccine will not act as a substitute for a negative test result at this time.

This new requirement will be in addition to the current mandatory 14-day quarantine that is in place for those entering Canada. All those travelling to Canada will have to provide the details of their 14-day quarantine plan and will need to use the ArriveCAN App or website to provide accurate contact information and the details of their 14-day quarantine plan on or before entry.

The Government of Canada has stated it will be increasing surveillance efforts to ensure travellers entering Canada complete their mandatory 14-day quarantine period. Failure to do so is an offence under the Quarantine Act and could lead to up to six months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines.