The federal government announced the change in March, citing vaccination and the constant number of COVID-19 cases at the time. See what is changing today.
What are the changes for vaccinated travelers?
From Friday, fully vaccinated travelers will not need the COVID-19 molecular test (such as PCR test) or antigen test to enter Canada by land, air or water. Previously, travelers had to take exams abroad to enter the country. Border mayors, tourism leaders and individuals have been urging the government to drop the requirement for months, saying it has been a major barrier for businesses and families to cross the border.
Who is considered fully vaccinated?
A fully vaccinated traveler means that you must have received at least two doses of an acceptable COVID-19 vaccine or at least one dose of the Janssen / Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Also consider being fully vaccinated if you have had a combination of two acceptable vaccines for COVID-19. You must have taken the second dose at least 14 days before entering Canada. Although you no longer need a COVID-19 test, anyone with symptoms will not be allowed to go to Canada. The vaccines accepted by Canada for travel are:
AstraZeneca / COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria, AZD1222). Bharat Biotech (Covaxin, BBV152 A, B, C). Janssen / Johnson & Johnson. Moderna (Spikevax, mRNA-1273) including for children 6 to 11 years. Novavax (NVX-COV2373, Nuvaxovid, Covovax). Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2) including for children 5 to 11 years. Sinopharm BIBP (BBIBP-CorV). Sinovac (CoronaVac, PiCoVacc).
Do I still need to use ArriveCAN?
Yes, this requirement has not changed. Anyone entering Canada, including fully vaccinated travelers, must complete a questionnaire on the ArriveCAN app or government website within 72 hours of entering Canada. Travelers will answer a series of questions and will need to upload a digital vaccination receipt in English or French. The government warns of third party applications or fake applications. You can find the ArriveCAN page here.
Will you completely escape the tests?
Although there is no longer a pre-arrival test requirement, some travelers may be randomly selected for the COVID-19 test.
A Border Patrol officer will tell you if you have been selected, and this includes those who are fully vaccinated.
If selected, you may be examined at home – often the only option at the land border – or you could be referred to a nurse if you arrive at an airport. Travelers collect tests or go for coatings and then proceed to their final destinations.
Fully vaccinated Canadian travelers entering the country may be randomly selected for the COVID-19 test. At the land border, this will probably be a test that the house will take. (Matthew Hatcher / Getty Images)
Travelers coming from abroad no longer need to be quarantined awaiting exam results. The government said the test would help monitor the arrival of variants in Canada.
If you are fully vaccinated and traveling to the US by land or ship, no examination is required. The US abandoned test requirements for travelers living on land last October.
However, if you are heading to another country, you may be asked to take a test according to the current instructions in that country.
What about unvaccinated travelers (including children)?
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Canadian travelers must be tested. They will undergo a molecular test on arrival and on the eighth day after arrival. These travelers must be quarantined for 14 days – regardless of their test results during this period. The Canadian government has outlined three acceptable types of testing and the specific conditions that apply to each. Children under the age of five do not need a preliminary test. In general, unvaccinated foreign nationals are not allowed to travel to Canada. There are some very limited exceptions. Those 12 years of age plus four months or older who are not considered fully vaccinated may not board a train, plane or ship in Canada. Medevac flights and private flights that do not require airport access with a vaccine requirement are excluded.
Is this change permanent?
It is possible that Canada will resume COVID-19 tests before arrival, and this has happened in the past. Last fall, those traveling to the US for 72 hours or less were excluded from the preliminary examination. But when the Omicron variant increased, the government withdrew that decision. COVID-19s in some parts of Canada, such as Ontario, have been on the rise in recent weeks following easing of restrictions and possibly increased movement due to the March break.
