Canada to ease Covid-19 border restrictions

From 28 February, the Public Health Agency of Canada is easing on-arrival testing for vaccinated travellers

The Public Health Agency of Canada has stated that, from 28 February 2022, it will be easing the on-arrival Covid-19 testing for fully vaccinated travellers as the Omicron variant of the virus has passed its peak in the country.

The agency issued the following statement: ‘Travellers arriving to Canada from any country, who qualify as fully vaccinated, will be randomly selected for arrival testing. Travellers selected will no longer be required to quarantine while awaiting their test result. Children under 12 years old, travelling with fully vaccinated adults, will continue to be exempt from quarantine. Unvaccinated travellers will continue to be required to test on arrival, on day eight and quarantine for 14 days. Unvaccinated foreign nationals will not be permitted to enter Canada unless they meet one of the few exemptions.’

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The statement also noted that travellers will have the option of using a Covid-19 rapid antigen test result taken the day before travel, or a molecular test result, taken no more than 72 hours before travel. A rapid antigen test must be administered by a laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service.

Randy Boissonnault, Canada’s tourism minister, said: “We are committed to a safe reopening; one that provides predictability, flexibility and shows the world that Canada is one of the safest places to travel. Travel is safe and will continue to be safe in Canada. The Canadian economy will not fully recover until our tourism sector recovers and today’s measures will help us safely welcome visitors to Canada.”