Effective February 22, 2021, all travellers flying into Canada will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test when they arrive in Canada before they exit the airport and another toward the end of their 14-day quarantine period. In an announcement by the government of Canada. With limited exceptions, these new travel restrictions are in addition to existing mandatory pre-boarding and health requirements for air travellers.
Note: As of February 15, all air travellers into Canada are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the U.S. within 72 hours of arrival, or a positive test taken 14 to 90 days prior to arrival. They will now be required to take another molecular test at the airport in Canada.
Also effective February 22, 2021, all travellers arriving by land or air will be required to submit their travel and contact information, including a suitable quarantine plan, electronically via ArriveCAN before crossing the border or boarding a flight.
“With these additional COVID testing requirements and safety measures at the land border we are taking extra steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. As we do for air travel, we are now also requiring travellers by land to provide information using ArriveCAN to facilitate processing and limit points of contacts between border services officers and travellers. We’ll always prioritize the health and safety of Canadians as we make decisions.”
The Honourable Bill Blair
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Traveller Exemptions for Essential Workers
Foreign nationals who have an exemption to enter Canada will be refused entry with limited exceptions if they do not have a valid COVID-19 molecular test result. Failure to provide accurate information is an offence under Canada's Quarantine Act.
Following is a detailed summary of the new travel restrictions effective February 22, and an infographic showing the process for air travellers to Canada.
Infographic: Entering Canada By Air Effective February 22, 2021
Entering By Aircraft: COVID-19 Molecular Test and Quarantine Plan
Tests in Canada
Effective February 22, every person who is five years of age or older and who enters Canada by aircraft must:
(a) in accordance with the instructions of a quarantine officer or the Minister of Health, undergo a COVID-19 molecular test
(i) on entering Canada, and
(ii) after entering Canada; and
(b) retain the evidence of the COVID-19 molecular test result for each of the tests referred to in paragraph (a) for the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they obtain the evidence of that result or that begins again if, during the 14-day period, the person develops signs and symptoms of COVID-19, receives evidence of a positive result under any type of COVID-19 test or is exposed to another person who exhibits signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
Before Boarding
- Travellers must have a negative result for COVID-19 performed within 72 hours of travel, or a positive result of the test performed on a specimen collected at least 14 days and no more than 90 days before travel
- The test report should have the following details:
- Name and date of birth
- Name and civic address of the laboratory that administered the test
- The date specimen was collected
- The test method used
- The test results
- Provide the address of the place where you plan to quarantine for 14 days by electronic means
- Must retain evidence of the tests and quarantine plan
2. Travellers must print out their negative COVID-19 result.
On Canada Entry
- Provide to the screening officer at the airport:
- Proof of negative test
- A suitable quarantine plan
- Evidence of prepaid accommodation at a government-authorized accommodation for three-days that begins on the day on which you enter Canada – provide proof of payment of accommodation
- Undergo another COVID-19 test at the airport
- Stay in a hotel for 3 days at the traveller's own expense until you receive your negative test
After Completing 3 Days Hotel Quarantine
Provide a suitable plan of quarantine for the rest of the 14-day quarantine period
- Quarantine for the remainder of 14 days at the address provided
- Provide contact information
- Avoid contact with other people with whom they did not travel
- Indicate having access to separate bedroom
- Retain all rest results for 14 days quarantine period
Government-approved hotels for quarantine: COVID-19 mandatory hotel stopover: Booking and list of government-authorized hotels
Quarantine Plan When Entering By Means Other Than Aircraft
Before Reaching The Land Border
Effective February 22, all travellers entering Canada by land or water must:
- have a negative result for COVID-19 performed within 72 hours of travel, or a positive result of the test performed on a specimen collected at least 14 days and no more than 90 days before travel
- The test report should have the following details:
- Name and date of birth
- Name and civic address of the laboratory that administered the test
- The date specimen was collected
- The test method used
- The test results
- Provide the address of the place where you plan to quarantine for 14 days by electronic means
- Must retain evidence of the tests and quarantine plan
On Canada Entry
- Provide to the screening officer at the airport:
- Proof of negative test
- A suitable quarantine plan
- Undergo another COVID-19 test at the border
- Collect a test kit for use later during quarantine – you may be asked to do another test on your own or book another COVID test for 14 days quarantine
- Go directly to your quarantine place
Contact Ackah Law BEFORE You Try To Cross The Border
Don't attempt to fly into Canada without making sure your paperwork is in order. COVID's impact on Canada immigration has affected individuals, families, big corporations and small business owners, and there can be confusion at the border or when trying to board a flight to Canada. An experienced immigration professional can help qualified travelers cross the border into Canada, and help prepare your immigration application.
For more information and solutions for immigration to Canada and crossing borders seamlessly to live and work in Canada or the United States, contact Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email us directly.
