Transport Canada announced today that effective Thursday, January 7, at 12:01 a.m. EST (January 6, 9:01 p.m. PST) all air passengers over the age of five will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling from another country to Canada.
Prior to boarding a flight to Canada, passengers must present to the airline documentation of a negative laboratory test result. Transport Canada further outlines that the test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to scheduled departure to Canada.
It’s important to note that anyone who receives a negative test result and enters Canada must still complete the mandatory 14-day quarantine. A reminder that everyone entering Canada is required to provide accurate information to government officials and must answer all questions truthfully when entering Canada and/or contacted during the 14-day quarantine period. Failure to comply could result in up to six months in prison and/or up to $750,000 in fines.
Travellers are advised to monitor @Transport_GC and @CanBorder on Twitter for more information. Questions about this new requirement should be directed to your airline.
More information from Transport Canada is available here.