OTTAWA DROPPING PRE-ARRIVAL PCR TEST FOR FULLY VACCINATED TRAVELLERS

Fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada will no longer be required to take a pre-arrival molecular test (PCR) as of February 28th. Travellers will still be required to take a pre-arrival test, but can opt for an authorized rapid antigen test instead. The rapid antigen test must be taken no more than one day before arrival to your scheduled flight or land border.

 

Currently, travellers entering Canada must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their departing flight or planned arrival at the land border. 

 

Fully vaccinated travellers may be randomly selected for a PCR test upon arrival, as the testing program will remain in place, but as of February 28th, travellers will no longer be required to quarantine while waiting for their test results. 

 

The government also announced plans to lift its current advisory against non-essential travel abroad; these changes are due to improving pandemic conditions. Should conditions continue to improve, further testing measures could be dropped, such as testing requirements for Canadians visiting the U.S. for short trips under 72 hours. However, the government has made no mention of dropping its rule for air passengers who test positive while abroad and must wait at least 10 days before entering Canada.

 

The government also announced that after February 28th, international flights will be allowed to land at any international Canadian airport; previously, the government had barred international flights from landing at some airports due to the pandemic. 

 

To read the full article, please visit www.cbc.ca.