Canada:
COVID-19 Testing Requirement For Air Passengers To Enter Canada
06 January 2021
Moodys Tax Law LLP
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In the continued effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the
Government of Canada has announced that as of January 7, 2021,
anyone seeking admission to Canada (unless exempt – see
below), is required to provide evidence that the traveler has
received a negative COVID-19 test conducted within seventy-two (72)
hours prior to their planned travel.
What type of COVID-19 test must be conducted?
The COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) test, which is also called a “viral
test,” must be performed. An antibody COVID-19 test
will not meet the requirements for entry. The PCR
test result must be performed by a lab accredited by a government,
professional association, or have obtained International
Organization for Standardization (ISO)
accreditation.
When must the traveler’s COVID-19 PCR test be
conducted?
The COVID-19 PCR test must be conducted within seventy-two (72)
hours prior to boarding a flight to Canada.
Does the COVID-19 PCR testing requirement apply to those
entering Canada via land or sea port-of-entry?
No, the COVID-19 PCR testing requirement only applies to those
entering Canada via air.
What is acceptable evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR
test?
The traveler must have written or electronic proof of a negative
COVID-19 PCR test conducted within seventy-two (72) hours prior to
boarding.
Will proof of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine replace this test
requirement?
While this is likely to be true at some point later this year,
receipt of the vaccine does not replace the COVID-19 PCR testing
requirement.
What if the COVID-19 PCR test is not available in the country
from which the traveler is returning to Canada?
Travelers from a country where the COVID-19 PCR testing is
unavailable will be required to report to a designated Public Health Agency of Canada quarantine
facility for the duration of their mandatory fourteen (14)
day quarantine.
Which travelers may be exempt from testing
requirement?
- Children under the age of five (5);
- A crew member;
- Emergency service providers; and
- Technical stops (i.e. flights refueling).
Does this testing requirement replace other measures
implemented by Canada to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
No, for now, this new COVID-19 PCR
testing requirement does not replace the following key
measures:
Stay tuned for the latest from the Moodys Immigration
Team!
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