Canada to Relax Entry Rules for Vaccinated Travelers
In order to facilitate entry to the country, the Canadian government will allow vaccinated travelers to submit a rapid antigen test instead of a molecular one.
Starting from March 1st, 2022, vaccinated visitors may choose this easier and cheaper option and arrive in Canada with a rapid antigen test.
The change can be well-received by travelers planning a March break gateway in Canada. However, according to some airline associations, the country's authorities should enable vaccinated travelers to enter Canada test-free.
The rapid tests must be performed by a laboratory, telehealth provider, or health care.
Some fully vaccinated arrivals to Canada may still be randomly selected for molecular testing upon arrival at the airport. They do not need to quarantine themselves when waiting for a test result.
The Canadian authorities have also facilitated travel for families. Unvaccinated travelers under the age of 12 accompanied by vaccinated adults no longer need to self-isolate for 14 days after their arrival in Canada.
Content:
Documents to have upon entry to Canada
Fully vaccinated travelers entering or returning to Canada must have prepared the following upon crossing the Canadian border:
Pre-entry testing results
All arrivals aged 5 or older are required to provide an antigen rapid test (molecular tests are no longer necessary).
ArriveCAN receipt
ArriveCAN is obligatory for all travelers who plan to enter Canada by sea, land, or air. It must be completed within 72 hours before arrival time.
Vaccination certificate
It should be uploaded via ArriveCAN. A list of COVID-19 vaccines can be found here.
A quarantine plan
It must be prepared in case of a positive test result.
Passport or another travel document
The data of a traveler's document must be entered in ArriveCAN.
Advance registration for upon-arrival testing
Applicable for air travelers.
eTA Canada
Electronic Travel Authorization available for visa-exempt travelers from over 50 different countries.