COVID-19: Testing requirements temporarily increased

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Canadian government recently announced that it will increase its COVID-19 testing requirements for air travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macao.

Key Points:

• Beginning Jan. 5, air travelers age 2 or older who arrive from China, Hong Kong or Macao must have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure.
• Travelers who provide proof that they tested positive for COVID-19 more than 10 days but no more than 90 days before departure are exempt from the negative test requirement.
• This temporary COVID-19 testing policy applies to all travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macao, regardless of their nationality or COVID-19 vaccination status, and will be in place for at least 30 days, after which Canadian authorities will reevaluate the need for such measures.

Additional Information: Airlines must receive the negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of a positive COVID-19 test result taken within the prior 10 to 90 days before the traveler can board the plane to Canada.

BAL Analysis: Canadian authorities will increase its COVID-19 testing requirements for air travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macao because of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the country and regions. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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