Vaccinated travellers no longer need pre-entry COVID-19 tests to enter Canada

However, Health Canada will still require anyone arriving from outside the country to wear a mask in public settings for two weeks, even if they are fully vaccinated. 

Vaccinated travellers entering Canada no longer need a pre-entry COVID-19 test.

The change to the rules previously requiring any traveller, regardless of vaccination status, to provide a negative PCR or rapid test upon entry into Canada took effect April 1.

However, Health Canada will still require anyone arriving from outside the country to wear a mask in public settings for at least two weeks, even if they are fully vaccinated.

The rules for unvaccinated and partially-vaccinated Canadians and other travellers who are exempt from the vaccine requirement remain unchanged. They would still need to provide a negative test, or evidence that enough time has passed after an infection, to enter the country.

There could still be mandatory, random PCR testing at airports for all travellers, irrespective of vaccination status, but selected passengers would not be required to isolate while awaiting results, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) told Global News in an emailed statement.

Whether you’re flying or crossing at the land border, you’d also still have to fill out the ArriveCAN App. “This applies to all travellers entering Canada, regardless of the length of their trip,” the CBSA statement said.

Travellers would still be asked to upload their contact information, travel details and vaccination information on ArriveCan — everything barring the negative COVID-19 test if they are fully vaccinated, according to Lisa White, director, Central Alberta District for Canada Border Services Agency.

“If you don’t complete it (ArriveCan documentation), you could be subject to the full quarantine period of 14 days,” White said.