TRAVEL NEWS UPDATES
DISCLAIMER - Please note - these updates are for information only. If you plan on travelling be sure to check the latest rules and requirements. The situation is changing constantly.
2021-03-02 - More on the new Entry and Quarantine Requirements for travellers arriving in Canada
What happens if I have had Covid-19 while abroad? Will I be able to get back into Canada?
The concern here relates to the current requirement that all incoming travellers, over the age of four, need to have -
“a negative result for a COVID-19 molecular test that was performed on a specimen collected no more than 72 hours” before their plane leaves or, if they are driving from the US, before they arrive at the border.
Well, it may be difficult to get a negative result if you’ve had Covid-19. In fact, according to various news reports, it can take weeks, or even months, for positive Covid-19 tests to turn negative. Could that potentially leave infected travellers in limbo and unable to enter Canada for months?
Fortunately, this danger was anticipated by the drafters of the governing Order in Council. In an enlightened move they have provided for an alternative test. So in order to enter Canada, travellers can provide EITHER the usual negative test result referred to above, OR
“a positive result for the test that was performed on a specimen collected at least 14 days and no more than 90 days before” boarding the plane or arriving at the land border.
In other words, even if you test positive for Covid 19 while abroad, you should still be able to travel to Canada 14 days after your positive test, (provided it is no more than 90 days old). Of course this is not perfect, as you could still be delayed for 14 days from the date of the positive test; but at least you should avoid waiting to test negative – which could take months.
So, what should you do if you encounter a Covid problem while abroad? Here are some thoughts –
The above is a quick guide to the main points only and there may be inadvertent omissions or errors. Also, this is still early days in a new and very dynamic program. We fully expect there to be changes and amendments to the programs. Please do not rely on the above guide as meeting your unique circumstances or those of any particular traveller. We always recommend professional advice.
What happens if I have had Covid-19 while abroad? Will I be able to get back into Canada?
The concern here relates to the current requirement that all incoming travellers, over the age of four, need to have -
“a negative result for a COVID-19 molecular test that was performed on a specimen collected no more than 72 hours” before their plane leaves or, if they are driving from the US, before they arrive at the border.
Well, it may be difficult to get a negative result if you’ve had Covid-19. In fact, according to various news reports, it can take weeks, or even months, for positive Covid-19 tests to turn negative. Could that potentially leave infected travellers in limbo and unable to enter Canada for months?
Fortunately, this danger was anticipated by the drafters of the governing Order in Council. In an enlightened move they have provided for an alternative test. So in order to enter Canada, travellers can provide EITHER the usual negative test result referred to above, OR
“a positive result for the test that was performed on a specimen collected at least 14 days and no more than 90 days before” boarding the plane or arriving at the land border.
In other words, even if you test positive for Covid 19 while abroad, you should still be able to travel to Canada 14 days after your positive test, (provided it is no more than 90 days old). Of course this is not perfect, as you could still be delayed for 14 days from the date of the positive test; but at least you should avoid waiting to test negative – which could take months.
So, what should you do if you encounter a Covid problem while abroad? Here are some thoughts –
- if, while abroad, you suspect that you may have been infected by Covid (because of symptoms or situation), consider having a Covid test right away. If the result is positive you can take precautions or start treatment immediately. Also, if you have to rely on a positive test to enter Canada, the required 14 day period referred to above should start to run from the date you are tested.
- Any Covid-19 test you take, here or abroad, must be a “molecular” test that meets the standards required by the Canadian government if you intend to rely on it to gain entry into Canada. (More about the test requirements and how to get acceptable tests in subsequent postings).
- Even if you have an acceptable positive Covid-19 test, you should consider trying for the usual negative Covid-19 test no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight or arriving at the land border. I suggest this simply because the airport check-in staff or border control officers will probably be more familiar with the negative tests – you may save yourself time and trouble.
- Keep hard paper copies of everything even if it is in your ArriveCan app.
- Take proper travel insurance in case you incur Covid-19 delays and expenses;
- You will still have to be symptom-free and meet all other requirements of the airlines and health authorities to board your flight. AND, yes, you will still have to test and quarantine for 14 days after you arrive back; at an hotel and in accordance with your very important quarantine plan (more about that in a subsequent posting)
- Be patient and polite – remember that these entry and quarantine requirements are new to everyone and complicated. Blowing a fuse won’t help. Oh, and by the way, if you have an personal experience with the application of the new Requirements at an airport or otherwise, please let us know so that we can add it to our communal knowledge. Your comments are always welcome.
The above is a quick guide to the main points only and there may be inadvertent omissions or errors. Also, this is still early days in a new and very dynamic program. We fully expect there to be changes and amendments to the programs. Please do not rely on the above guide as meeting your unique circumstances or those of any particular traveller. We always recommend professional advice.
2021-02-22 The first day - the new Entry and Quarantine Requirements for travellers arriving in Canada
Legal basis - At midnight on Sunday 21st February 2021, the Order in Council with the new entry and quarantine requirements for travellers came into effect – all 72 pages of it. It is the legal basis for the information contained on the Government of Canada website (link below) and it will remain in force until midnight on 21st April 2021. As reported in the media, in addition to other requirements, there will now be more testing for travellers and people arriving by air will have to purchase a mandatory quarantine at a government approved hotel.
Preparation is key – before setting out, travellers will have to do some careful planning, much more than they did before. Of course, everyone is different with their own peculiar circumstances, but here are some basic things to consider (and do) if you are planning to travel; preferably before you book any flights –
The above is a quick guide to the main points only and there may be inadvertent omissions or errors. Also, this is the first day of a new and very dynamic program. We fully expect there to be changes and amendments to the programs. Please do not rely on the above guide as meeting the unique circumstances of any particular traveller or otherwise. We recommend professional advice.
Thank you to PW Keyter, BA LLB, general counsel, for his analysis. More updates will be made available. Be sure to follow my facebook to be advised of the next update. www.facebook.com/thetravellady
Legal basis - At midnight on Sunday 21st February 2021, the Order in Council with the new entry and quarantine requirements for travellers came into effect – all 72 pages of it. It is the legal basis for the information contained on the Government of Canada website (link below) and it will remain in force until midnight on 21st April 2021. As reported in the media, in addition to other requirements, there will now be more testing for travellers and people arriving by air will have to purchase a mandatory quarantine at a government approved hotel.
Preparation is key – before setting out, travellers will have to do some careful planning, much more than they did before. Of course, everyone is different with their own peculiar circumstances, but here are some basic things to consider (and do) if you are planning to travel; preferably before you book any flights –
- It’s not advisable - the government of Canada is still advising against all non-essential travel out of Canada so please don’t travel anytime soon unless you really need to. We realise however that some of you have family or other commitments or simply want to come home - and this is for you;
- Travel Documents - Check your regular travel documents carefully. The last thing you need is some passport (or similar issue) in addition to all the other documentation you now need. For example; is your passport still valid (We recommend it be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in Canada – perhaps even more in today’s environment), will you need any visas, parental permissions, pardons, permanent residence permits or other special permissions?
- Can you travel to Canada? Again, everyone has their own unique circumstances. So please check the Canadian government websites to see if you will be permitted to travel into Canada – it’s not automatic. Here is a useful link Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Who can travel to Canada – Citizens, persons registered under Canada’s Indian Act, permanent residents, foreign nationals and refugees - Canada.ca. Keep checking this as requirements are constantly changing
- Can you travel to or transit through other countries? Every country now has their own restrictions to control Covid 19, in addition to their regular requirements. You need to find all the requirements and restrictions that apply to you and check them constantly!
- ArriveCan – This is the Canadian Government app and you will need to have an account and complete it before you set out for Canada. There are a number of detailed questions and other information to be completed for border control and you should get all your information together before you submit the information. Here is the link Use ArriveCAN: Submit travel information to enter Canada - Canada.ca. Please read this carefully so that you are aware of the information that will be required from you.
- Pre-departure Covid-19 test – all travellers, aged 5 and over, (by land and air) will require a negative Covid-19 molecular test, from an accredited laboratory, obtained not more than 72 hours before departure for (if you are flying) or arrival in (if you are driving) Canada. The requirements are specific and care must be taken to comply.
- Quarantine hotel booking – all travellers arriving by air will require evidence of prepaid accommodation that enables them to remain in quarantine at a government-authorized accommodation for a three-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada. Reservations have to be made in advance before departure through a federal government channel.
- Quarantine Plan – this is for your own 14 day quarantine (beyond any quarantine hotel) and is an important document for the border control/quarantine officer. Care should be taken as there are specified parameters to be met and, if an officer decides that you are “unable” to quarantine, you may be directed to a “government facility”. We suggest that this plan be prepared in writing with copies for border control.
The above is a quick guide to the main points only and there may be inadvertent omissions or errors. Also, this is the first day of a new and very dynamic program. We fully expect there to be changes and amendments to the programs. Please do not rely on the above guide as meeting the unique circumstances of any particular traveller or otherwise. We recommend professional advice.
Thank you to PW Keyter, BA LLB, general counsel, for his analysis. More updates will be made available. Be sure to follow my facebook to be advised of the next update. www.facebook.com/thetravellady
Wednesday 20 January, 2021 - as reported on Transat website
COVID TESTS NOW AVAILABLE AT SOME RESORTS
As of January 7, 2021, the Government of Canada is requiring that all air passengers five years of age or older present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or LAMP) in order to be allowed to board a flight to Canada.
To help you comply with this measure, some of our hotel partners are now offering their clients COVID-19 testing services on-site or at an external clinic. You will find a list of these hotels below along with details about the testing services (prices, booking an appointment, processing times, etc.).
Good to know:
COVID TESTS NOW AVAILABLE AT SOME RESORTS
As of January 7, 2021, the Government of Canada is requiring that all air passengers five years of age or older present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or LAMP) in order to be allowed to board a flight to Canada.
To help you comply with this measure, some of our hotel partners are now offering their clients COVID-19 testing services on-site or at an external clinic. You will find a list of these hotels below along with details about the testing services (prices, booking an appointment, processing times, etc.).
Good to know:
- If your hotel is not listed below, consult our practical guide where we have compiled a list of laboratories offering PCR and/or LAMP COVID-19 screening tests for each of our destinations.
- Please note that the indicated prices and processing times are for information purposes only and are subject to change. Contact the hotels directly to confirm this information.
- Make your appointment, if necessary, upon your arrival at the hotel.
- Make sure you have your airline ticket and passport with you when you arrive for your appointment.
- Download the Air Transat mobile app: in addition to providing essential information regarding current health regulations, it allows customers travelling as part of all-inclusive package to directly contact their Transat representative at destination for any questions about screening tests.
- Note that the use of this service is at your complete discretion and that you may choose to go to a certified clinic of your choice for testing.
- Also note that Transat cannot be held responsible in any way for the implementation or use of this service, which is managed by our hotel partners in collaboration with local laboratories.
Thursday 14 January, 2021 - as reported in Travel Pulse
AIR CANADA CUTS POPULAR ROUTES
The pandemic and ongoing travel restrictions are forcing Air Canada to suspend some of their most popular flights, at least temporarily.
In a memo sent to TravelPulse Canada, Canada's largest airline outlined the details of the 25% capacity reduction they mentioned in a Wednesday statement. The list contains 44 temporarily suspended flights, including 12 domestic, 10 trans-border (USA) and a full 22 international routes.
Effective Jan 23, this is a list of the stations closed and routes suspended until further notice:
Additional airport stations closed in Canada:
Fredericton NB, Gander NL, Goose Bay NL, Yellowknife NWT, Kamloops BC, Prince Rupert BC
Additional domestic routes suspended
Fredericton–Montreal
Gander–Halifax
Goose Bay–Halifax
Kamloops-Vancouver
Ottawa-Calgary
Ottawa-Vancouver
Prince Rupert-Vancouver
Quebec City-Toronto
St. John’s-Toronto
Victoria-Calgary
Winnipeg-Calgary
Yellowknife-Edmonton
Transborder routes suspended
Calgary to: Maui
Montreal to:Denver, Houston, Orlando
Toronto to: Houston, Orlando, Tampa, Washington (Dulles)
Vancouver to: Honolulu (until April), Maui (until mid-February)
International flights suspended
Montreal to: Barbados, Casablanca, Cozumel, Samana, San Jose (Costa Rica), Santa Clara, Turks & Caicos, Nassau, Sao Paulo, Puerto Vallarta
Toronto to: Cozumel, Curacao, Ixtapa, Los Cabos, Paris, Saint Lucia, Santa Clara, St. Vincent, Zurich
Vancouver to: Los Cabos, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta
Air Canada on Wednesday said it will have to reduce capacity by 25% and lay off 1,700 workers due to a lack of demand.
AIR CANADA CUTS POPULAR ROUTES
The pandemic and ongoing travel restrictions are forcing Air Canada to suspend some of their most popular flights, at least temporarily.
In a memo sent to TravelPulse Canada, Canada's largest airline outlined the details of the 25% capacity reduction they mentioned in a Wednesday statement. The list contains 44 temporarily suspended flights, including 12 domestic, 10 trans-border (USA) and a full 22 international routes.
Effective Jan 23, this is a list of the stations closed and routes suspended until further notice:
Additional airport stations closed in Canada:
Fredericton NB, Gander NL, Goose Bay NL, Yellowknife NWT, Kamloops BC, Prince Rupert BC
Additional domestic routes suspended
Fredericton–Montreal
Gander–Halifax
Goose Bay–Halifax
Kamloops-Vancouver
Ottawa-Calgary
Ottawa-Vancouver
Prince Rupert-Vancouver
Quebec City-Toronto
St. John’s-Toronto
Victoria-Calgary
Winnipeg-Calgary
Yellowknife-Edmonton
Transborder routes suspended
Calgary to: Maui
Montreal to:Denver, Houston, Orlando
Toronto to: Houston, Orlando, Tampa, Washington (Dulles)
Vancouver to: Honolulu (until April), Maui (until mid-February)
International flights suspended
Montreal to: Barbados, Casablanca, Cozumel, Samana, San Jose (Costa Rica), Santa Clara, Turks & Caicos, Nassau, Sao Paulo, Puerto Vallarta
Toronto to: Cozumel, Curacao, Ixtapa, Los Cabos, Paris, Saint Lucia, Santa Clara, St. Vincent, Zurich
Vancouver to: Los Cabos, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta
Air Canada on Wednesday said it will have to reduce capacity by 25% and lay off 1,700 workers due to a lack of demand.
Wednesday 6 January, 2021 - as reported in Travel Pulse -
NEW - two types of test are acceptable - BUT no test no boarding!
The test must be performed using one of two types of COVID-19 tests–either a molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)–and must be conducted within 72 hours of the traveller's scheduled departure to Canada.
All travellers coming to Canada must present this information at the time of boarding. Failure to do so will mean an automatic denial of boarding by the airline operating the flight to Canada.
(The government previously had said travellers who could show they were not able to get a COVID test could board anyway, but face a mandatory 14-day quarantine in a government-approved facility).
NEW - two types of test are acceptable - BUT no test no boarding!
The test must be performed using one of two types of COVID-19 tests–either a molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)–and must be conducted within 72 hours of the traveller's scheduled departure to Canada.
All travellers coming to Canada must present this information at the time of boarding. Failure to do so will mean an automatic denial of boarding by the airline operating the flight to Canada.
(The government previously had said travellers who could show they were not able to get a COVID test could board anyway, but face a mandatory 14-day quarantine in a government-approved facility).
Monday 4 January, 2021 - as reported in Travel Week
UPDATES FROM AIRLINES WITH LINKS TO LABS AND COST OF TESTS
Airlines including Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing and Transat have all posted updates to their websites with the new requirement, as well as resources to help passengers get their PCR tests done.
Here’s a list of info pages:
For Air Canada, click here.
For WestJet, click here.
For Sunwing, click here.
For Transat, click here.
UPDATES FROM AIRLINES WITH LINKS TO LABS AND COST OF TESTS
Airlines including Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing and Transat have all posted updates to their websites with the new requirement, as well as resources to help passengers get their PCR tests done.
Here’s a list of info pages:
For Air Canada, click here.
For WestJet, click here.
For Sunwing, click here.
For Transat, click here.
NEW - COVID TEST NOW REQUIRED TO ENTER CANADA
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Posted by The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Anyone arriving in Canada starting Jan. 7 will need to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding and may have to quarantine in a federal facility if they have inadequate isolation plans, the federal government says.
Flyers aged five and up will need have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their scheduled departure and must show the results to their airline before they board their flight.
Travellers who receive a negative test result must still complete the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Travellers will have to provide a quarantine plan for federal officials to review.
If officials aren’t satisfied, the government said people will be required to quarantine in a federal facility.
The statement on Thursday afternoon said Canadians vacationing abroad should immediately start arranging for a COVID-19 test to avoid delays in coming home.