As of today, all passengers travelling to Canada via air must present a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding. You can read more about this requirement here.
Further information has been provided and we will continue to update this blog as clarifications are received. The recent updates include:
- Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests now qualify, in addition to PCR tests;
- The tests must be conducted within 72 hours of the scheduled departure; and
- The test results are required to contain: the traveller name and date of birth, the name and civic address of the test administrator; the date on which the test was conducted; the method of the test; and the result.
CERTAIN COUNTRY-SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN ISSUED:
- Travellers departing from Saint Pierre et Miquelon are exempt from the requirement until January 14, 2021;
- Travellers departing from Haiti are exempt from the requirement until January 21, 2021; and
- Travellers departing from Caribbean or South America have a 96 hour window for the tests until January 14, 2021
FINALLY, FURTHER EXEMPTIONS HAVE BEEN ADDED:
- Any transiting passengers;
- Emergency, law enforcement or border personnel;
- Specific individuals or groups identified by Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer or Minister of Health; and
- Individuals or a group of individuals that have been granted an extra-ordinary exemption from Transport Canada.
The requirement to quarantine upon arrival in Canada remains in place. Please contact us if you have questions or want to discuss your travel options to Canada.
EDITED TO ADD
From the IRCC website: “From January 10 until January 18, 2021, travellers departing from Jamaica who were not able to obtain a COVID-19 test may be allowed to board their flight, if they consent in advance to take a COVID-19 test at the Toronto Pearson International airport immediately upon their arrival in Canada.”
