What you need to know about the new COVID-19 measures at the border

Eased COVID-19 restrictions at the border took effect on Monday, with fully vaccinated travellers no longer needing an expensive pre-arrival PCR test result to enter Canada. Here's what you need to know about the new rules at the border.

Restrictions at the border were tightened in December, as the Omicron variant led to an explosion of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. However, with declining cases and hospitalizations, the federal government announced on Feb. 15 that it would be lifting its travel advisory against all non-essential international travel and loosening some restrictions at the border.

Here's what you need to know about the new rules for travellers:

Previously, all travellers, regardless of vaccination status, have had to present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of their scheduled flight or land entry into Canada.

Now, fully vaccinated travellers have the option to instead show proof of an antigen test taken a day before the scheduled flight or arrival at a land border crossing.