COVID-19 response update: Government of Canada to lighten border measures

Montreal, February 22, 2022 – The Government of Canada has announced an adjustment of its border measures that are set to come into effect on February 28, 2022.

Fully-vaccinated travellers

Fully-vaccinated travellers arriving in Canada from any country will no longer be required to undergo mandatory molecular testing (PCR) upon arrival. Travellers will now have the option to take an antigen test the day before their scheduled arrival. However, travellers will need to ensure that the test is authorized by the country in which it was purchased and it must be administered by a laboratory, health entity or telehealth services. Note that travellers will be able to continue to use the results of a molecular test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their return.

Also, fully-vaccinated travellers will now be randomly selected for testing upon arrival and will no longer be required to quarantine while waiting for test results. Children under 12 years old travelling with fully-vaccinated adults will continue to be exempt from quarantine, without any conditions limiting their activities.

Unvaccinated travellers

Unvaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine for 14 days and must take a COVID-19 test on the first and eighth day after arrival. Also, unvaccinated foreign nationals will not be permitted to enter Canada unless they meet one of the few exemptions.

The Government is lifting its recommendation to avoid travel for non-essential purposes by lowering its Travel Health Notice from Level 3 to Level 2.

>> Our Immigration Director Milagros Melendez and lawyer Magali Desjardins can provide clarity on these new measures if you have any questions: immigration@dgchait.com

>> Read here the Public Health Agency of Canada’s press release.