Skip to content.

New COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Measures

Implemented on February 15 and 22

The Canadian Government announced new COVID-19 testing and quarantine measures, applicable to all travellers to Canada, including Canadian citizens. Here is a summary of the new measures.

Please note that there will be exemptions to these requirements. However, during the press conference, the exemptions were not announced; it is expected that any exemptions will be announced via the applicable Order in Council. We will provide further details when available.

Travelling by Air

As of February 22

Additional testing upon arrival

  • In addition to the pre-departure COVID-19 testing, all travelers arriving from international destinations will be required to undergo a molecular COVID-19 test before exiting the first Canadian airport at which they arrive;

3 days hotel stay

  • Prior to travel to Canada, a government-approved hotel must be reserved in the first Canadian city of arrival for a period of 3 days;

  • Travellers must stay at the government-approved hotel for at least 3 days – waiting for the COVID-19 test results;

  • Costs of the hotel stay must be covered by the traveler (up to CA $2,000):

    • Hotels will be able to adjust billing should a traveler receive their negative result in a period shorter than 3 days;

    • Fees paid by travelers to hotels include cost of room, food, cleaning, security and transportation to the hotel from the airport;

  • A list of government-approved hotels will be published on February 18, 2021;

    • There will be a number of hotels to choose from in the 4 cities accepting international flights (Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver);

  • Travelers connecting to another destination: connection must be delayed until the negative test result is received;

Test results

Negative result

  • If a negative COVID-19 test result is received, the traveller may depart the hotel to quarantine for the remainder of the 14 day quarantine period at their residence or other appropriate quarantine location;

Positive result

  • If a positive COVID-19 test result is received, the traveller will be taken to a government quarantine location for observation and medical care;
  • Travelers will be required to take a second COVID-19 test at the end of the 14 day quarantine period.

Travelling by Land

As of February 15

  • Travelers must have proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hour period:

  • Exemptions include truckers and emergency service providers;

  • Other exemptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

As of February 22

  • Travelers through the land border will be required to take a molecular COVID-19 test upon arrival at the port of entry and again at the end of the quarantine period. Travellers will have to self-administer the second COVID-19 test (provided at the border upon entry);

  • There is NO 3 day hotel quarantine requirement for land travellers. Travellers will be allowed to continue to their place of quarantine.

Authors