Canada Lifts Negative PCR Requirement For Trips Less Than 72 Hours

The Canadian government announced today that, effective November 30, 2021, fully vaccinated Canadians who depart and re-enter the country within 72 hours of leaving Canada will not have to present a pre-entry molecular test. Previously, all travellers had to provide negative test results no matter how short a trip’s duration.

The press release states that “This exemption is only for trips originating in Canada taken by fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents or individuals registered under the Indian Act, who depart and re-enter by land or by air and can demonstrate that they have been away from Canada for less than 72 hours. This exemption extends to accompanying children under 12, and individuals with medical contraindications to vaccination. Also effective November 30, 2021, Canada will expand the list of Covid-19 vaccines that travellers can receive to be considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of travel to Canada. The list will include Sinopharm, Sinovac and COVAXIN, matching the World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing.”

“Health and safety will always remain at the forefront of any decision our government makes in the fight against Covid-19. The upcoming changes to Canada’s border testing and entry requirements reflect the next stage in our government’s approach as we align with the improving vaccination rates both here in Canada and around the world. The situation at our borders remains closely monitored, with officials and experts continuing their work to evaluate the measures in place and recommend necessary adjustments as required,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health.

The government of Canada also announced that as of January 15, 2022, certain groups of travellers, who are currently exempt from entry requirements, will only be allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine. These groups include:

• individuals travelling to reunite with family (unvaccinated children under 18 years of age will retain exemption if travelling to reunite with an immediate or extended family member who is a Canadian, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act);
• international students who are 18 years old and older; 
• professional and amateur athletes;
• individuals with a valid work permit, including temporary foreign workers (outside of those in agriculture and food processing); and
• essential service providers, including truck drivers.

After January 15, 2022, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will only be allowed to enter Canada if they meet the criteria for limited exceptions, which apply to certain groups such as agricultural and food processing workers, marine crew members, those entering on compassionate grounds, new permanent residents, resettling refugees and some children under the age of 18. Exempt unvaccinated travellers will continue to be subject to testing, quarantine, and other entry requirements. Non-exempt unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will be prohibited entry into Canada.

“Requiring foreign nationals to be fully vaccinated adds another important layer of protection at the border. Many foreign nationals and international students arriving in Canada are already fully vaccinated, and the measures announced today will help ensure that Canadians remain protected against Covid-19 as the economy reopens and international travel returns,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Starting November 30, vaccination will be required for travel within and out of Canada. A valid Covid-19 molecular test will no longer be accepted as an alternative to vaccination unless travellers are eligible for one of the limited exemptions, such as a medical inability to be vaccinated. Travellers should contact their airline or railway company to obtain the necessary form and submit it in accordance with their carrier’s approval process as of November 30.

The press release goes on to note that “The Government of Canada’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to prioritize the health and safety of Canadians. As vaccination levels, case counts and hospitalization rates evolve, the Government of Canada will continue to consider further targeted measures at the borders—and when to lift or adjust them—to keep Canadians safe.”