Canada: Pre-entry COVID-19 Testing Will Soon Not Be Required for Fully Vaccinated Travellers

Fully Vaccinated Travellers

On March 17, 2022, Canada announced that, effective April 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test result to enter Canada.

Fully vaccinated travellers may be selected on arrival for mandatory random testing and required to take a COVID-19 molecular test, but they will not be required to quarantine while waiting for their test result.

Partially or Unvaccinated Travellers

Pre-entry testing requirements are not changing for partially or unvaccinated travellers who are currently allowed to travel to Canada. Unless otherwise exempt, all travellers five years old or older who are not fully vaccinated must continue to provide proof of one of the following accepted types of pre-entry COVID-19 test results:

  • A valid negative antigen test, administered or observed by an accredited lab or testing provider, taken outside of Canada no more than one day before their initially scheduled flight departure time or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry; or
  • A valid negative molecular test taken no more than 72 hours before their initially scheduled flight departure time or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry; or
  • A previous positive molecular test taken at least 10 calendar days and no more than 180 calendar days before their initially scheduled flight departure time or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry. It is important to note that positive antigen test results will not be accepted.

ArriveCAN Submission

All travellers continue to be required to submit their mandatory information in ArriveCAN prior to their arrival in Canada. Regardless of their vaccination status, travellers who arrive without completing their ArriveCAN submission may be required to test on arrival and quarantine for 14 days. Travellers taking a cruise or a plane must submit their information in ArriveCAN within 72 hours before boarding.

Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.