Canada COVID 19 border measures are now in effect

As of February 28, travellers may enter Canada with an antigen test and other COVID-19 procedures in place.

Canada is enabling passengers to enter the country with a pre-arrival antigen test as of February 28 at 12:01 a.m for COVID 19.

Previously, travelers had to take a molecular test, such as a PCR test, within 72 hours before their scheduled flight or border crossing.

Before crossing the border into Canada, all travelers aged five and above must take the COVID-19 test. Incoming travelers will be able to provide an antigen test result taken within one day of their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border under the new rules. The test can’t be done at home; it has to be done by a laboratory, healthcare organization, or telemedicine service, and it has to be approved by the country where it was acquired. The use of PCR testing is still permitted. For pre-arrival PCR tests, no new rules have been implemented.

Unvaccinated children would no longer have to isolate for 14 days, and international flights would resume at all airports, in addition to the abolition of the PCR test requirement.

Schedule a FREE CONSULTING SESSION with one of our expert to check if you qualify to apply for Temporary VISA to Canada.

If you've recovered from COVID-19, read on.

Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 after recovering are allowed to board a plane, but only under certain circumstances. As part of the pre-arrival test requirements, you must give a positive COVID-19 molecular test on a specimen acquired at least 10 days and no more than 180 days prior to entering Canada.

ArriveCAN

All travelers must still use ArriveCAN to provide their necessary information. Prior to arrival in Canada, visitors can submit their evidence of vaccination in English or French, as well as a quarantine plan, using either the desktop or mobile app.

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must quarantine for 14 days in an appropriate location and perform an obligatory COVID-19 test on arrival and on day 8.

Fully-vaccinated travelers

Fully-vaccinated travelers do not need to quarantine upon arriving in Canada, provided they meet the following criteria:

  • meet pre-entry testing requirements;
  • have no symptoms;
  • submit all required COVID-19 information to ArriveCAN and present their ArriveCAN receipt, pre-departure test results,  paper or digital
  • proof of vaccination documents before they board their flight to Canada;
  • have a suitable quarantine plan in case they don’t qualify for the exemption.

Mandatory random tests upon arrival

Border services officers may randomly select you for a mandatory arrival test.

If you are fully vaccinated and are randomly selected for an obligatory arrival test, you must do it on the day you enter Canada as ordered. The test may be administered at the airport, or officials may provide you with a self-swab kit to complete within 24 hours after entering the country.

You do not have to wait for the results if you are randomly selected for the on-arrival test. You are not need to quarantine while awaiting your results, and you are free to fly to your final destination and connect planes.

You can expedite the procedure by enrolling in advance with the testing provider for the airport where you will arrive using the same email address you used for ArriveCAN, according to the Canadian government.