CANADA ANNOUNCES 3 TESTS AND NEW HOTEL QUARANTINE RULES
New restrictions for incoming travelers to Canada including a new
hotel quarantine and three Covid-19 tests will begin on February 22 announced Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday.
“We’re not trying to punish people, we’re trying to keep people safe,” he said.
Here is everything travelers need to know about the rules that were announced on Friday and what to expect when arriving in Canada by both land and air.
What is The New Land Border Testing Requirement?
Up until February 21, all travelers will be required to
provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR result taken in the United States within 72 hours of pre-arrival, or a positive test taken 14 to 90 days prior to arrival.
*As of February 22, travelers entering Canada at the land border will be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival as well as toward the end of their 14-day quarantine.
This does not apply to truck drivers or health care workers.
When Does The New Land Border Crossing Requirement Begin?
The new test requirement for crossing the U.S. / Canada land border will begin on February 15, 2021.
The additional testing requirement at the land border begin on February 22.
What Are The New Entry Requirements By Air For International Arrivals?
- All travelers must provide proof of a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours of arrival in Canada.
- Travelers can only arrive at the Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver airports.
- All travelers will be given a PCR test upon arrival at the airport.
- All travelers must reserve, prior to arriving in Canada, a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel. Travelers will be able to book their government-authorized stay starting February 18, 2021.
- Travelers will be released on day 3 if there test is negative. If positive, they will be transferred to a government quarantine facility
- Travelers who are negative can proceed home to quarantine for the remaining duration of a 14 day quarantine.
- Travelers will be required to take another PCR test towards the end of the quarantine.
When Do The New Air Travel Restrictions Begin?
The new rules that affect all international travelers arriving in Canada by air go into effect on February 22, 2021.
How Much Does The Hotel Quarantine Cost?
The cost of the hotel quarantine will be the responsibility of the traveler and will cost up to $2000. Final prices will be released on February 18th, 2021 when bookings for hotels become available.
Where Are The Hotels Located?
All hotels will be located within the vicinity of the four approved airports.
Health Minister Patty Hajdu stated that “It is up to the traveler to choose where they wish to stay,
and book in advance of departure.”
Hajdu reported that the cost of hotels will vary by location.
“The price will include costs associated with the room, food, cleaning, infection prevention and control measures, and security as well as transportation.”