Canada to Ease Travel Restrictions
The Government of Canada recently announced that they will be loosening restrictions for individuals entering the country as of February 28.
Among the updated measures include permitting pre-arrival antigen tests, exempting unvaccinated children from the quarantine requirement, and resuming international flights to all Canadian airports.
With nearly 80% of the population fully vaccinated, increased testing, and decreasing hospitalization rates, Canada begins to transition toward long-term management of COVID-19.
Testing requirements
As of February 28, 2022, travellers will have the option of providing COVID-19 rapid antigen test results.
The test must be taken within 24 hours before their scheduled flight, or if travelling by boat or arriving at the border. The antigen test must be authorized by the country travellers are coming from, and be administered by a laboratory, healthcare entity, or telehealth service.
Canada will continue to accept molecular test results provided 72 hours before arrival.
Quarantine requirements
Starting February 28, unvaccinated children under the age of 12 who are travelling with fully vaccinated adults are exempt from quarantine.
Canada will also be easing random testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers. Beginning February 28, fully vaccinated travellers randomly selected for arrival testing will no longer need to quarantine while they wait for their results.
Unvaccinated travellers
Travellers that do not qualify as fully vaccinated will still need to fall under one of Canada’s exemptions for discretionary travel to enter the country. These travellers must also continue to provide arrival and Day 8 COVID-19 test results and must quarantine for 14 days.
International travel
On February 28, international passenger flights will resume to all Canadian airports. Canada will also move its Travel Health Notice from Level 3 to Level 2, meaning the government will no longer recommend against travel for non-essential purposes.
Travelling to Canada?
If you plan to travel to Canada, it is advisable to check if you are eligible to enter the country and meet entry requirements ahead of booking anything.
All travellers entering Canada must submit required documents and information through the ArriveCan app or website.
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