'The time has finally come': Feds axing pre-arrival COVID-19 test for vaccinated travellers

Declaring Canada in a 'transition phase' in the COVID-19 pandemic, federal officials have announced that fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada will not have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test as of April 1.

“I think it's fair to say that we are now entering into a transition phase of this pandemic,” said Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos as he announced the latest easing of pandemic travel restrictions.

As CTV News has reported, the pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirement for fully vaccinated travellers at land, air, and marine borders will no longer be in place by the end of the month.

Passengers may still be subjected to random PCR testing at the airport—in part to monitor for new variants— though they will not be required to isolate while awaiting their results.

Unvaccinated and partially-vaccinated travellers will still face on-arrival and quarantine requirements.