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

Travellers will also have to complete the full mandatory 14-day quarantine after arrival

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