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Canada to Require Negative COVID‑19 Test for Arriving Passengers
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Does anyone have a definition of what 72 hours actually mean. My flight to Ottawa leaves from Mexico at 14:00 on January 10th. The only test I can get is at 9:00 on January 7th, meaning its 77 hours before boarding. Given the turnaround time for test results, which are only emailed after 14:00 on a given day its impossible for me to guarantee the 72 hours.
Do I also understand from DebB’s question that Air Canada MUST allow me to board?
Given the poor communication from the government about the policy, it’s kind of anyone’s guess what will actually happen if you show up with a test taken 77 hours before departure rather than 72 hours.
Based on Legault’s comments, it sounds like you’ll most likely be allowed to board as a Canadian citizen. But be prepared to be allowed to board, but given a mandatory quarantine federally-approved sites immediately upon entering Canada (likely at your own expense) until you’re able to obtain negative test results.
What we know for certain is that 72 hours means… well, 72 hours. To be on the safe side and avoid troubles, I’d consider rescheduling the flight so that you can obtain a test 72 hours in advance.
Thanks Ricky. Unfortunately all Air Canada and WestJet flights from Cancun leave later in the afternoon so the 72 hours will always be a problem given that the testing site releases results after 14:00 and says 48-72 hour turnaround. It is encouraging though that as Canadian Citizens we won’t be denied boarding.
so it may turn out if you are asymptomatic, do not get tested abroad, and fly into Calgary, that you may be subject to the same rapid test and short quarantine that was previously applicable?
Are these rules applicable for USA flights coming into Canada ?
Yes – all international flights arriving into Canada.
Mnn- I live in the Atlantic bubble – and we are just fine with out 14 day quarantine period – we have only a few cases a day here – largely as a result of that measure.
Does this requirement apply to land border entries?
No, air passengers only.
Thanks for the quick response and reporting on this. Interesting that land border crossings are exempt from this.
What happens if u get a positive test? Are you denied boarding even if you have a Canadian passport?
If you are positive and symptomatic, you will be denied boarding even as a Canadian citizen: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/answers/citizen-symptoms-air
If you are positive but asymptomatic, you may not be denied boarding as per the CBC interview; however, since you won’t be able to present a negative test, you’ll be required to isolate at federally-approved sites until you obtain negative test results. Nevertheless, you absolutely shouldn’t be getting on a plane, in the interests of public health of course.
does this new requirement apply to those landing in Calgary for the rapid test?
Yes, the requirement to present a negative test before your flight applies to all arrivals into Canada, but those who are flying into Calgary may still be exempt from the 14-day mandatory quarantine under the Alberta rapid testing pilot.
Brutal. My return flight from Hawaii leaves on Saturday at 11:30 pm and arrives Sunday at 06:48am. If I understand the rules correctly I could get the test on Thursday and hope it comes in time? What happens if it doesn’t? And to have a 14 day quarantine on top of it all just adds fuel to the fire.
Looks like the rules kick in on January 6, 2021, so if your flight is this Saturday you should be good.
Are you a Canadian citizen? If you are, then the airline knows perfectly well that you cannot possibly be refused entry to Canada. Therefore, on what grounds could they possibly refuse you boarding? The fact that this obvious question isn’t even part of the announcement is telling. “A Canadian is A Canadian is A Canadian”
Spot on DenB. As per this CBC interview – “Travellers who are unable to procure tests before their flights home won’t be stranded abroad, LeBlanc said. Immediately upon their return to Canada, he said, those passengers will be required to isolate at federally-approved sites until they obtain negative test results and meet other quarantine commitments.”
I’ll update the article with this bit of info.
Correct. Most likely wasn’t mentioned to give the impression of a more intense restriction.