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

IMPACT – HIGH

Canada has implemented a policy of requiring anyone boarding international flights for Canada to provide negative COVID-19 test results before they can board their plane.

Key Points:

• The policy took effect on Jan. 7 and applies to air travelers five years of age and older, including Canadian citizens.
• 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.
• Air travelers must submit information about their travel and contact information, and quarantine plan (unless exempt) via the ArriveCAN app or website; those entering Canada by land or sea are strongly encouraged to submit their travel information by ArriveCAN to speed up processing at the border.
• All travelers must also complete a mandatory 14-day isolation period after entry to Canada, including daily symptom self-assessment reporting via ArriveCAN, unless exempted from quarantine.
• For now, the pre-travel negative COVID test policy does not apply to land ports of entry.

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

Analysis & Comments: The change adds to the time it takes to plan air 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.