The government of Canada has announced that fully vaccinated travelers entering Canada will no longer have to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test beginning April 1.1
Previously, any person travelling to Canada was required to provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test that had been taken before the traveler’s departure for Canada. This option of completing an antigen test was only permitted recently and prior to that, travelers had to wait for the results of their pre-arrival PCR tests, which could cost $100 or more per person.
Businesses may now send their fully vaccinated employees to Canada at a moment’s notice. They do not need to wait for the results of a COVID-19 test before confirming their eligibility to travel.
In addition, travelers will only be required to complete post-arrival testing if they are randomly selected, and they will not be required to quarantine while awaiting their post-arrival test results.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the government of Canada has issued several border measures to protect Canadian citizens and permanent residents from the spread of COVID-19. For prior coverage, see GMS Flash Alert 2022-035, Feb. 16, 2022.
The latest announcement is the most significant step the government has taken towards normalizing border procedures and is in keeping with the gradual relaxing of border measures globally. The government will continue to randomly test travelers upon their arrival in Canada. This is largely to identify and track variants of COVID-19.
The Canadian government has also announced:
These are transitory measures that will be re-assessed in the coming weeks/months.
Key Considerations for Employers & Travelers
Individuals who have questions or concerns about the new measures are encouraged to contact KPMG Law LLP for further guidance.
1 For Canadian Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos’ March 17 announcement, see “Government of Canada will remove pre-entry test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers on April 1”.
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