The Government of Canada has recently provided updated details on the further measures they have and will be implementing in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and its variants in Canada. Details on requirements for travellers arriving by air and land are outlined below.
RETURNING TO CANADA BY AIR
ArriveCAN
If flying to Canada as a final destination, Canadians and all travellers must use ArriveCAN to submit their travel and contact information quarantine plan, and COVID-19 symptom self-assessments. The ArriveCAN app can be downloaded onto your smartphone via the App Store and Google Play.
If you do not travel with a smartphone you can submit your information by creating an account and signing in online here, https://arrivecan.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca. Print or take a screenshot of your receipt and take it with you when you travel.
COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine
All travellers 5 years of age or older who arrive in Canada by air, must also provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test (ex. PCR, RT-PCR. NAT, LAMP etc.). Please note that an antigen test will not be accepted. The molecular test must be taken within 72 hours of your entry into Canada or your scheduled flight departure time.
COVID-19 testing sites throughout the United States, searchable by state, can be found here, https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/testing/index.html.
Persons who have recovered from COVID-19 can continue to test positive long after they have recovered and are no longer infectious. Travellers who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 must provide proof of a positive COVID-19 molecular test conducted between 14 and 90 days prior to your entry into Canada or your scheduled flight.
You must present a negative laboratory test (paper or electronic proof of result) which must include:
- Traveller name and date of birth
- Name and civic address of the laboratory/clinic/facility that administered the test
- The date on which the test was conducted
- The method of test conducted (PCR or LAMP)
- The test result
As of 11:59 pm ET on February 21, 2021, on arrival to Canada, you will be required to take a test before leaving the airport. You will also be provided with instructions on how to take another test toward the end of your quarantine period.
Following the arrival test, you will need to go to your reserved hotel for 3 nights to await test results. The hotel quarantine program is being managed by American Express Global Business Travel and available by phone only. To book your mandatory 3-night hotel stopover, travellers will need to call 1-800-294-8253.
A list of government-authorized hotels can be accessed here, https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice/mandatory-hotel-stay-air-travellers/list-government-authorized-hotels-booking.html.
Travellers will receive email confirmation of their accommodation within 4 hours of booking. Costs of these hotel stopovers may vary by location.
Travellers must present proof of having reserved and pre-paid for their accommodation through ArriveCAN.
If you receive a negative result on your arrival test, you can proceed to your place of quarantine to complete the remainder of the mandatory 14-day quarantine. You must have a suitable plan for your quarantine. If you need to take a domestic flight to your final destination and place of quarantine, you may be able to do so, after you’ve received your negative COVID-19 test.
If you’ve received a positive test, you will need to stay in your hotel room. A Public Health Agency of Canada official will call you with instructions. You will be required to isolate for 14 days from when the sample was collected. This will be in either a federal designated quarantine facility or other suitable location.
Travellers will also be required to take another COVID-19 molecular test later during their 14-day quarantine. Travellers will be provided with a COVID-19 test kit and instructions before leaving the airport. You will be required to stay in your place of quarantine until you receive a negative test result.
If you receive a positive test result, you will be required to isolate for an additional 14-day period that begins on the day the test was taken. Upon receiving a positive test result, contact your local public health authority and follow their directions.
RETURNING TO CANADA BY LAND
ArriveCAN
If you’re travelling to Canada by land or sea, while it is not required, travellers are strongly encouraged to submit their travel information through ArriveCAN.
COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine
As of February 15, 2021, travellers entering Canada by land must provide proof of a valid COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the U.S. upon arrival at the border. The test must be taken in the United States within 72 hours of pre-arrival.
COVID-19 testing sites throughout the United States, searchable by state, can be found here, https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/testing/index.html.
As of 11:59 pm ET February 21, 2021, travellers entering Canada at the land border will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival as well as toward the end of their 14-day quarantine. You will be required to stay in your place of quarantine until you receive a negative test result.
If you receive a positive test result, you will be required to isolate for an additional 14-day period that begins on the day the test was taken. Upon receiving a positive test result, contact your local public health authority and follow their directions.
At this time, land travellers are not required to quarantine at a reserved hotel.
Asymptomatic travellers with a suitable quarantine plan may proceed to their place of quarantine and stay there for a 14-day period (unless participating in the Alberta international border pilot project with a reduced quarantine period). More details on quarantine requirements can be accessed here, https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/isolation#quarantine.
You are required to report your arrival at your place of quarantine within 48 hours of your arrival in Canada through the ArriveCAN app or by calling 1-833-641-0343.
The CSA will be providing members with further updates when new information is available.
