Air travelers heading to Canada require pre-departure negative COVID-19 test result

The Government of Canada announced that, effective January 7, 2021, all air passengers five years of age or older will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling from another country to Canada.

Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. 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 the traveller’s scheduled departure to Canada.

Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada will still have to complete the full mandatory 14-day quarantine.

The Government also announced that it will be further increasing surveillance efforts to ensure travellers entering Canada complete the applicable mandatory 14-day quarantine period under the Quarantine Act.

Travellers must use the ArriveCAN App or website and provide accurate contact information and their mandatory 14-day quarantine plan on or before entry.

Link: COVID-19 pre-departure testing and Transport Canada’s Interim Order