Easing travel restrictions: A step in the right direction
On February 15 the Government of Canada announced a series of adjustments to border measures. The more relaxed restrictions shown below will apply starting Monday, February 28, at 12:01 a.m.
Testing upon arrival in Canada
Travellers arriving in Canada who qualify as fully vaccinated (at least 2 doses) will still be randomly tested on arrival, but those selected for testing will no longer have to quarantine while waiting for their test result.
Unvaccinated travellers will still be required to test on arrival and on Day 8 and to quarantine for 14 days.
Children under 12
Children under 12 years old travelling with fully vaccinated adults will no longer need to wait 14 days before attending school, camp, or daycare.
Testing before arrival in Canada
To meet pre-entry requirements, travellers will now have the option of using the result of a COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken the day prior to their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border or marine port of entry or a molecular PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border or marine port of entry.
Note: The rapid antigen tests offered by the Government of Quebec in pharmacies, schools, and early childhood education services do not meet the requirements for entry into Canada. The rapid antigen test must be authorized in the country in which the traveller purchased it and must be administered by a laboratory, health agency, or telehealth service.
Notice to avoid non-essential international travel lifted
The Canadian government will no longer recommend avoiding non-essential travel outside Canada. Travellers are simply encouraged to continue taking the appropriate precautions.
Although the measures are more relaxed, certain restrictions will still apply. All travellers, regardless of how long they were away from Canada, are still required to submit mandatory information in the ArriveCAN app. And should they test positive for COVID-19 abroad, they will have to extend their trip.
While these relief measures are a step in the right direction, the remaining restrictions are still a hurdle for many Canadians eager to venture beyond our borders and explore new destinations. And if you do choose to travel, be sure to look into the health situation and protocols in place at your destination. The situation looks different in different parts of the world, and COVID-19 is unfortunately still very much a reality.
For mandatory measures and information specific to your situation, visit the COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders page on the Government of Canada website or go to caaquebec.com.