Covid-19 Test Requirement in Canada – From early 2022 Canada got eased from covid-19 cases, as the number of cases is decreasing by the time. Earlier when covid-19 has started spreading across the globe Canada was in one of the top lists for the maximum number of cases so for their precautions they had closed all international travels for almost more than a year.
Canada now does not require travelers from India for nonstop flights to get their test done before 18 hours of departure. They have also stopped the requirement of third-country testing for those coming from India. Canada has made sure that a negative PCR report is required upon departure. Also, covid-19 molecular test to be taken before 72 hours of departure. The Canadian government has stated that travelers coming via air must go through a covid-19 test before leaving Canada airport, and for that bookings are open for pre-register at the airport to reduce the congestion in the airport, and also passengers will not have to wait for too long. Registration takes 15 minutes upon arrival and testing would take just 2-4 minutes for pre-registered travelers.
However, the Canadian government is still not in favor of the entry of international travelers who are coming for the non-essential thing. The government has instructed to complete pre-molecular covid-19 tests before 72 hours of the scheduled flight. Antigen tests are not accepted.
What do you mean by molecular test?
All the passengers of 5 or above must give proof of the test required for entry in Canada. The citizens of Canada or people registered under the Indian Act, permanent residents of Canada, or protected people are allowed to enter the country. The people coming from other countries must be fully vaccinated.
Valid negative molecular test: it should be taken before 72 hours of departure time to Canada or the entry time in Canada if you are traveling through land or water.
For example – If your flight is booked for 11:00 pm Friday, then you must get your test done by 10:59 pm Tuesday.
Earlier positive molecular test: the one has no symptoms and also provides the proof for the same taken at least 10 days and not more than 180 days before entering Canada. The counting starts from the day of the test.
For example- If you have tested on 1st January, then the 11th will be the earliest date of your travel to Canada.
- If your positive proof is accepted then you won’t need to take a test on the 8th day
- A positive antigen test result is never a valid result for boarding a flight or entering Canada and also it cannot be used as proof for the previous infection.
Children who are below 5 years of age do not need to go through pre-entry tests or the people who come under essential services, crews, and cross-border communities.
Tests that are accepted for the entry
- PCR- Polymerase chain reaction
- Nucleic acid test or nucleic acid amplification test
- Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification
The methods used in the tests are nasopharyngeal swab, nose swab, or saliva sample.
Testing upon arrival for vaccinated travelers
The authorities have set different norms for people who are fully vaccinated and those who are not or partially vaccinated.
For fully vaccinated travelers:
- Must have taken 2 doses of a vaccine accepted to travel, a mix of 2 vaccines is allowed. Or at least 1 dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
- Must have taken your second dose in at least 14 days before you travel to Canada
- Should not have any signs of Covid-19
- Should complete your Arrive-Can submission and have an Arrive-Can receipt letter.
- Must complete your arrival test if selected.
For partially or non-vaccinated travelers:
For the travelers coming through the air, you have to register in advance for the test on arrival. You might be required to get tested before exiting the airport. To fasten the process, you can register in advance for the test that has to be provided at the airport. When you register use the same email address that you applied on the Arrive-Can account.
Arrival test
At the time of entry in Canada, you will be directed to take either an arrival test or take a self-swab kit. You will be provided with a kit that is to be tested by you on the 8th day of your mandate quarantine.
How to set up an Arrive-Can account
One must have the mobile app called an Arrive-Can or you can sign in on your computer to enter your proofs of vaccination, quarantine, and travel information. All details should be entered before 72 hours of the travel to Canada. If someone does not have a smartphone, you can sign in through the computer and you will get a receipt that has to take a printout and keep with you when you travel.
1. Before any travel is planned, the proofs of vaccination and travel documents should be saved.
2. Arrive-Can is a free app.