Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that mandatory hotel quarantine for travelers arriving by air to Canada will take effect on February 22.
“These border measures will help stop the spread of COVID-19 and new variants,” Trudeau said at a news conference Friday.
Health Minister Patty Hajdu confirmed that people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are not currently exempt from these requirements.
“Research is still evolving and emerging around the reduction of infectivity for people who can get COVID-19, despite being vaccinated and despite a less serious case,” said Hajdu.
What is the quarantine process for travelers entering Canada?
Non-essential travelers traveling to Canada by air must complete a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure. Proof of a negative test result must be with them during the trip. They must submit their contact and quarantine details through the ArriveCAN app before boarding the aircraft.
Secretary of Public Security and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair confirmed that 93 percent of air travelers are non-essential travelers.
Beginning February 22, travelers will be required to take a COVID-19 test at their own expense when they arrive in Canada before leaving the airport.
Travelers then go to a quarantine hotel until their test result is returned, up to three days. They must reserve their residence before arriving in Canada. Hajdu indicated that the hotel’s booking information will be available online on February 18.
Travelers must stay in a hotel in the city where they first arrive in Canada. If their test is negative, they can take a connecting flight to their destination. All international passenger flights can only land at Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto or Montreal airports.
Travelers have to pay for their hotel room and associated food, cleaning, and security costs, which were previously estimated to be around $ 2,000, but Hajdu said costs can vary from hotel to hotel.
Anyone returning to Canada must complete a 14-day quarantine with “significantly increased surveillance and enforcement,” while anyone who tests positive is quarantined at a government agency.
Hajdu confirmed travelers are required to take another COVID-19 test at home on Day 10 of their quarantine period, which will be agreed with their local public health agency.
What are the rules for travelers arriving at land borders?
Beginning February 15, anyone traveling through a land border crossing to Canada must have taken proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of seeking entry.
Hajdu said essential workers, such as truck drivers, emergency workers and cross-border communities, will be exempted from this requirement and that the government will continue to assess the exemptions “on a case-by-case basis”. Blair confirmed that about five percent of those arriving at land borders are considered non-essential.
“There are already a number of exceptions for essential travelers and we continue to look for ways to ensure we keep them and Canadians safe even as essential trade and medical services cross the border,” the prime minister said.
At the same time, we are aware that we need to be considerate and compassionate towards people who find themselves in extremely difficult situations and absolutely need to travel. We try not to punish people, we try to keep people safe and protect Canadians from the virus and discourage all non-essential travel, and make sure that if people have to travel they do the things we can be sure will prevent the virus is spreading further in Canada. “
Trudeau confirmed earlier this week that without proof of a negative test, Canadians cannot be dismissed at the land borders, but can face a fine of up to $ 3,000 or a criminal charge and be referred to a designated quarantine facility.
Blair confirmed that all foreign nationals who do not have a valid molecular test will not be allowed to enter Canada.
Starting February 22, travelers will be required to take the COVID-19 molecular test upon arrival and another test by the end of their 14-day quarantine.
Travelers will need to use the ArriveCAN app to submit contact information and a “suitable” quarantine plan.