The Government of Canada announced that effective January 7, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. EST, all air passengers five years of age or older must have pre-departure COVID testing and will be required to test negative for COVID-19 BEFORE travelling from another country to Canada.
Our government remains committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians. These new measures will provide another layer of protection for Canadians as we continue to assess public health risks and work to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Canada.
Minister of Transport
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Do you have questions about business or immigration travel to Canada?
Exemptions:
Those exempted from this requirement include children who are not five years of age or older. Other exemptions include:
a) a crew member or a person who seeks to enter Canada only to become such a crew member
b) Emergency service providers
c) Technical stops – flights refueling
Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada.
- Proof of vaccine will not replace negative test result
- The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to boarding a flight to Canada.
- Persons who are travelling from a country where PCR testing is unavailable will be required to report to a designated Public Health Agency of Canada quarantine facility for the duration of their mandatory 14-day quarantine. Delays in obtaining test results does not apply.
- The test result must be from a lab accredited by an external organization (e.g., a government, a professional association or ISO accreditation). Only written or electronic proof of a negative lab test result (PCR test) conducted within 72 hours prior to boarding a flight to Canada will be accepted.
- All travelers will have their quarantine plans reviewed by a government official and, if not suitable, will be required to quarantine in a federal quarantine facility.
- Travelers to Canada must use the ArriveCAN App or website and provide accurate contact information and their mandatory 14-day quarantine plan on or before entry.
- Violating any instructions provided upon entry into Canada is an offence under the Quarantine Act and could lead to up to six months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines.
Call Ackah Law BEFORE you cross the border at (403) 452‑9515.
Pre-travel Covid Testing Facilities
There is now a list of country-specific pre-approved Pre-travel Covid-19 Test approved labs listed here: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories. Go to your country, then click on "Health" and find the link stating "Local COVID-19 testing Facilities."
Have an Immigration Lawyer On Your Side
Don't attempt to cross the border into Canada without making sure your paperwork is in order. Immigration law is becoming more complex and challenging every day. Immigration applications can be refused due to minor oversights and omissions that delay or negatively impact your business plans. By not using a lawyer you put your business at risk.
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 legal professional can help qualified travelers cross the border into Canada, and help prepare your immigration application.
