Canada Expands International Travel Restrictions
With new COVID-19 variant detections increasing in our country, the Government of Canada announced an expansion of restrictions for international travellers entering Canada. International travellers arriving to Canada from air and land ports of entry will undergo further testing and quarantine requirements, starting this month, with a limited number of exceptions.
How will this impact you?
If you are a travelling to Canada by land and plan on entering through a border crossing, as of February 15, 2021, you are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours of pre-arrival, or a positive test taken 14 to 90 days prior to arrival. In addition, as of February 22, 2021, you will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival and again at the end of your 14-day quarantine.
If you are travelling to Canada by air, you will be required to take two COVID-19 molecular tests; one test is required before you exit the Canadian airport, and the second test is required when you complete your 14-day quarantine. In addition, you must reserve prior to your departure to Canada, a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel. These requirements, at airports, come into force as of February 22, 2021 and hotel reservations begin on February 18, 2021.
It is also mandatory for all travellers arriving by land and air to electronically submit travel, contact information, and quarantine plan through the ArriveCAN app. Download ArriveCAN through the App store or Google Play. You are required to submit this information before crossing the border or boarding a flight.
If you are an essential worker, such as a truck driver or an emergency service provided, travelling across the border you will be exempt from certain requirements. The Government of Canada strongly advises Canadians and foreign nationals to cancel or postpone any non-essential travel to Canada at this time.
For Canadian immigration matters, contact Pinaz Marolia, pinaz@prmlaw.ca or call 416-320-1751.
