Canada’s border measures are changing today and here’s what that means

Great news for most Canadians! The government of Canada is officially easing travel restrictions.

Prior to today’s changes, all travellers wishing to enter Canada needed to provide a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their arrival. This measure included both Canadians and foreign nationals, and existed regardless of vaccination status. But, as of today, that’s all changing.

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Here are the border measures changing as of February 28th, including the new stance on PCR test requirements in Canada:

• Return to the random testing surveillance program for all vaccinated travellers
• Those who are selected for random testing will no longer be required to quarantine while awaiting test results
• Lifting restrictions for children under the age of 12, who are not vaccinated but travelling with fully vaccinated adults, no longer required to self-isolate, and no testing requirements
• Fully vaccinated travellers can now choose between EITHER an authorized COVID-19 rapid antigen test OR a PCR test to meet pre-entry requirements. Those opting for an antigen test will need to get it within 24 hours of flight departure/arrival at a land border
• Canada’s Travel Health Notice will go from ‘Level 3’ to ‘Level 2’, which means the removal of the advisory against non-essential travel to foreign countries, but will still recommend ‘caution’ when travelling abroad

What’s not changing:

• Unvaccinated travellers will still be tested and will require mandatory quarantine for the full 14 days
• Those opting for a negative PCR test will need to get it within 72 hours of flight departure/arrival at land border
• Those wishing to prove a previous COVID-19 infection will have to provide a positive PCR test result taken at least 10 calendar days (and no more than 180 calendar days) prior to their travel

Travellers should always check if they are eligible to enter Canada and meet all entry requirements before heading to the border. Additionally, all travellers, regardless of how long they were away from Canada, are still required to submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website), including proof of vaccination.