The federal government is eliminating the pre-arrival PCR test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers starting Feb. 28, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced Tuesday.
Travellers can instead opt for a rapid antigen test approved by the country they are coming from.
Currently, all travellers – regardless of vaccine status – must provide proof of a negative molecular test, such as a PCR test, within 72 hours of their scheduled flight or land entry into Canada.
- CTV News app sign-up: Breaking news alerts and top stories delivered right to you
Travellers may still be selected for random testing upon arrival but will no longer have to quarantine while awaiting their test results.
The government is also easing its advisory recommending Canadians avoid non-essential travel due to the rise of the Omicron variant.
“I want to underscore that Canadians should still exercise caution when travelling abroad. There is still a real risk of becoming sick or stranded while abroad and having to extend their trip or find themselves in need of medical assistance should they test positive for COVID-19,” said Duclos.
Restrictions on unvaccinated children younger than 12 and travelling with vaccinated adults are also being lifted.
- Newsletter sign-up: Get The COVID-19 Brief sent to your inbox
“This means they will no longer need to wait and self isolate before attending school, daycare, or camps. They will also no longer be subject to testing and other specific requirements,” said Duclos.
Unvaccinated travellers will still be required to be tested on arrival into Canada and must quarantine for 14 days.
Duclos said the annoxjmtzywunced border measures are “transitory” and will continue to be adjusted based on the national epidemiological situation.
RELATED IMAGESview larger image
Travellers walk through Terminal 3 at Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Friday, March 13, 2020. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn)
