The Canadian government announced the easing of travel restrictions in the country with effect from February 28, 2022. Various border measures have been altered owing to the country’s ability to transition away from the crisis phase and move towards a sustainable approach of Covid-19 management.
The government plans to ease down the on-arrival testing program. Fully-vaccinated international travellers would be randomly selected for arrival testing as before. But they would no longer be required to quarantine while awaiting the results. Children under age 12, travelling with fully vaccinated parents, will also be exempt from 14-day quarantine and other limitations such as attending school, day-care, camp, etc. after entering the country.
However, unvaccinated travellers will still be required to test on arrival and again on Day 8 along with 14-day quarantine. Only exceptional unvaccinated travellers will be allowed to enter without testing and other measures.
The travel restrictions regarding pre-entry requirements will also be relaxed from February 28. Travellers now have the option to provide an antigen test result or a molecular test result. This comes as a relief to travellers as antigen tests are typically cheaper than a molecular test costing under $100 and can provide results within minutes.
Both test results will be accepted at the Canadian border given that the pre-arrival antigen test must be taken within 24 hours and molecular test is taken not more than 72 hours before the travellers’ scheduled flight or arrival at the borders. The antigen test must also be authorized by the country where it is purchased and administered by a laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service.
International travellers with a previous positive covid-19 infection have to provide only molecular test results as only this test will be accepted at the borders. The positive test result must be taken at least 10 calendar days and no more than 180 calendar days before entering Canada.
The earlier requirement to upload necessary information on ArriveCAN about vaccination proof and quarantine plan after arrival in Canada will still be in place. All travellers must register and upload the mandatory documents on ArriveCAN’s free mobile app or website before travelling.
Additionally, international flights will also resume to all Canadian airports as announced by travel minister Omar Alghabra. The Transport Canada’s Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that restricts arrival of international flights will expire at 4 p.m. EST on February 28. After that, all Canadian airports that are designated by the Canada Border Services Agency can receive international flights.
Canada will adjust its Travel Health Notice from a Level 3 to a Level 2. This change will allow Canadians to travel for non-essential purposes too, which they were earlier recommended to avoid. Even though the travel restrictions are easing up, the government still urges Canadians to understand the risks associated with international travel and take necessary precautions.
Travellers should make sure that they are eligible to enter Canada before heading to the border. Some provinces and territories may have their own travel restrictions and requirements. It is essential to meet both the federal and provincial entry requirements to be able to enter the country.
The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety extends his regards to the border officers for their impeccable service over the past two years. He states that the Canadian government adjusts its travel restrictions and policies with the changing situation to cater to the health and safety of its people, which is their top priority.
The government admits that the ability of the country to transition to a new phase at the border is a result of the actions of millions of Canadians who followed public health measures, including getting themselves and their families vaccinated. It urges its people to continue doing their part to reduce the spread of Covid-19 by getting vaccinated and boosted, using masks where necessary, self-isolating if they have symptoms and self-testing if possible.
