Effective January 31, 2021, the Canadian government is requiring people entering Canada by air to quarantine in a government-approved hotel for three days after arrival, at their own cost. Those entering by air must also take a Covid-19 molecular test on arrival, again at their own cost. While the traveller is in the 3-day hotel quarantine the results of the Covid-19 test will be provided to them.
Those entering Canada from the U.S. across the land border will be required to provide a negative Covid-19 test result obtained within 72-hours before arrival. There will be limited exemptions to this rule, including for commercial truckers.
The new measures are in addition to existing measures, including that those entering Canada must quarantine for 14 days after arrival. After the first three days spent at the government approved hotel, travellers who test negative to Covid-19 will be allowed to self-quarantine for the remaining period at home. Those who test positive for Covid-19 will be required to self-isolate in a government facility.
Foreign nationals who show symptoms of Covid-19 on arrival will not be allowed to enter the country / will be required to leave Canada.
Air travellers must also obtain a negative Covid-19 test before travelling to Canada. In addition, all travellers must complete a questionnaire on the ArriveCAN application before entering.
Violating any quarantine instructions made by an officer at the border or airport is an offence under the Quarantine Act and may result in a fine of up to $750,000 or six months in prison.
