Transport Canada had announced that effective midnight on January 7, 2021 (00:00 EST or 05:00 UCT), proof of a negative COVID-19 laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada.
According to Transport Canada, anyone, who is 5 years of age or older, flying to Canada from another country (and regardless of citizenship) will be required to provide written or electronic documentation showing they received a negative result from a COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to their scheduled boarding. Failure to do so will mean an automatic denial of boarding by the air carrier operating the flight to Canada.
Tests must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular test, such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test. The test must be taken within 72 hours of the traveller’s scheduled departure to Canada. Other types of tests, such as antigen tests, will not be accepted.
Using a questionable or fraudulent document could result in the traveller being denied boarding, and subject to fines of up to $5,000 under the Aeronautics Act. This could also result in additional actions being levied against the traveller by a Public Health Quarantine officer upon arrival in Canada.
A negative laboratory test (paper or electronic proof of result) must be presented by the traveller to the airline or private operator prior to coming to Canada. Travellers must ensure that the negative laboratory test result includes the following data elements:
- Traveller name and date of birth
- Name and civic address of the laboratory/clinic/facility that administered the test
- The date on which the test was conducted
- The method of test conducted (e.g. PCR or LAMP)
- The test result (such as “negative” or “not detected”)
Information is available on Travel.gc.ca about reputable local COVID-19 testing facilities for certain destinations.
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