The Canadian government has announced it will be easing restrictions for fully vaccinated international travellers arriving in Canada starting on 1 March, including the option to take rapid antigen tests pre-departure and relaxing the on-arrival testing.
The Government of Canada has announced a series of adjustments to its current border measures, representing the beginning of a phased easing of travel restrictions.
As of February 28, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. EST on-arrival testing for fully-vaccinated travellers will be eased. This means that travellers arriving to Canada from any country, who qualify as fully vaccinated, will be randomly selected for arrival testing.
Travellers selected will also no longer be required to quarantine while awaiting their test result.
Unvaccinated Canadian travellers will continue to be required to test on arrival, on Day 8 and quarantine for 14 days, and unvaccinated foreign nationals will not be permitted to enter Canada unless they meet one of the country’s few exemptions.
Travellers will now also have the option of using a COVID-19 rapid antigen test result, taken the day prior to their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border or marine port of entry, or a molecular test result, taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border or marine port of entry, to meet pre-entry requirements.
The RAT must be authorised by the country in which it was purchased and must be administered by a laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service.
The global travel advisory for Canadians has also been changed. Previously the government recommended against all non-essential travel (level 3), and now it is only urging citizens to take precautions when travelling (level 2).
“We are committed to a safe reopening; one that provides predictability, flexibility and shows the world that Canada is one of the safest places to travel.” said The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance.
“Travel is safe and will continue to be safe in Canada. Thank you to the tourism industry that has been a leader around the world in ensuring the safety of travellers while weathering one of the most challenging economic crisis.
“Let me be clear that the Canadian economy will not fully recover until our tourism sector recovers and today’s measures will help us safely welcome visitors to Canada.”
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