Canada to Introduce Covid Test Rule for International Travel
As the
COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, countries around the world are looking
for ways to safely open up their borders to international travel once again.
One of the measures that has been proposed by the Canadian government is the
implementation of a mandatory COVID-19 testing requirement for all
international travelers arriving in Canada.
This rule is
set to go into effect in 2023, and it is expected to have a significant impact
on the way people travel to and from Canada. Here's what you need to know about
the new testing rule, and how it could affect your travel plans.
Why Is
Canada Implementing a Testing Requirement?
The Canadian
government has stated that the main reason for introducing the testing
requirement is to help protect the health and safety of Canadians. With the
emergence of new, more infectious variants of the coronavirus, there is a
growing concern that international travel could bring these variants into
Canada, potentially leading to a resurgence of the virus.
By requiring
all international travelers to undergo a COVID-19 test prior to arrival, Canada
hopes to reduce the risk of these variants entering the country. It's worth
noting that this rule will not apply to travelers who are coming from countries
with very low rates of COVID-19 transmission, as the risk of them bringing in a
variant is considered to be low.
What Kind
of Test Will Be Required?
Under the
new testing rule, all international travelers will be required to undergo a PCR
(polymerase chain reaction) test within 72 hours of their departure to Canada.
This is the most accurate type of COVID-19 test currently available, and it
involves taking a small sample of the person's nasal or throat secretions and
amplifying it to detect the presence of the virus.
The test
must be conducted by a licensed healthcare provider, and the results must be provided
to the traveler in a digital format (such as a PDF or electronic copy). This
will need to be presented to border officials upon arrival in Canada.
What
Happens If You Don't Have a Negative Test Result?
If you
arrive in Canada without a negative PCR test result, you will be required to
undergo a test upon arrival. This will likely involve a long wait in line, as
the testing capacity at airports is limited. If you test positive for COVID-19,
you will be required to quarantine for 14 days at a designated quarantine hotel
at your own expense.
If you
refuse to undergo a test upon arrival, you may be denied entry into Canada.
It's important to note that this rule applies to all international travelers,
regardless of their vaccination status.
What If
You Have a Positive Test Result?
If you test
positive for COVID-19 within 72 hours of your departure to Canada, you will not
be allowed to travel. You will need to follow the guidelines of your local
health authority and quarantine until you are no longer infectious.
If you test
positive after arriving in Canada, you will be required to quarantine for 14
days at a designated quarantine hotel at your own expense. You will also be
required to follow the guidelines of the local health authority in the province
or territory where you are staying.
How Will
This Affect Travel to and from Canada?
It's likely
that the new testing requirement will have a significant impact on travel to
and from Canada. Travelers will need to plan ahead and make sure they have a
negative PCR test result before departing for Canada. This may involve
additional costs, as PCR tests are typically more expensive than other types of
COVID-19 tests.
It's also
important to note that the testing requirement could lead to delays at
airports, as travelers may need to wait in line to undergo a test upon arrival.
It's advisable