COVID-19: Negative test results now required from all travelers arriving from abroad

IMPACT – HIGH

The Canadian government has announced that all travelers over the age of five years old will be required to show negative COVID-19 test results as well as complete a mandatory quarantine.

Key Points:

• Beginning today, Jan. 7, all travelers over the age of five, including Canadian citizens, who are arriving from another country will need to provide negative COVID-19 test results in order to gain entry.
• The test results must be from a PCR or LAMP COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the traveler’s departure for Canada, with some limited temporary exceptions.
• All travelers must also complete a mandatory 14-day isolation period upon arrival.
• All travelers must submit information about their quarantine location via the ArriveCAN app or website.

Background: At this time, travel to Canada continues to be restricted. Most non-essential travel is not allowed.

Analysis & Comments: The change will add to the time it takes to plan travel to Canada. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

This alert was prepared by de Lint LLP, an independent immigration law firm, allied with Deloitte LLP in Canada.