Canada will require a negative COVID-19 test for travellers from China, Hong Kong or Macao
As of January 5, 2023, Canada will require travellers arriving from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding a plane bound for Canada. This is in response to the recent rise in cases in those regions and a lack of information about the variants present.
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Who does this apply to?
Starting at 12:01am on January 5, 2023, all travellers coming from the countries mentioned below, aged 2 and older, will require proof of a negative test result. Furthermore, this will be checked before boarding and a passenger will be refused entry onto their flight if they cannot produce this proof. Additionally, the test must be taken within 2 days of the scheduled departure date.
Travellers can use either a molecular test (e.g., PCR test) or an antigen test that shows it has been monitored by the proper healthcare provider. Also, passengers who tested positive more than 10 days before their departure flight, but no more than 90 days, can provide the airline with documentation of their prior positive, in place of a negative test result.
This policy applies to all travellers from the affected regions. Regardless of nationality or vaccination status, all travellers will need to show one of the above documents. It is also currently only a temporary measure. The policy will be in place for 30 days before being reassessed.
What else do I need to know?
There will be more information when arriving at Primary Inspection Kiosks and eGates or filling out advanced customs forms. Travellers will be asked if they have been to the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, or Macao in the past 10 days. If they have, then CBSA officers will provide them with additional public health information. However, this does not apply to travellers arriving by land.
We have also talked about how masking is now optional when travelling into and out of Canada. But, officials still strongly recommend wearing a mask during their travel and in crowded settings.
Other steps Canada is taking
Canada is expanding their wastewater monitoring systems in airports. A new pilot project has been implemented in the Vancouver International Airport. Additionally, the project at Toronto Pearson International Airport has been expanded to assess COVID-19 prevalences around the world. Canada is also still monitoring new variants and prevalences of COVID-19 in the provinces and territories.
“The safety of travellers and the transportation industry remain top priorities. Our Government continues to take unprecedented action to protect the health and safety of Canadians by introducing measures to prevent further introduction and transmission of COVID-19 into Canada. We will adapt our measures based on available data, the science, and the epidemiological situation in our country and globally to protect Canadians.”
The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport
Travellers from other countries
At the moment, there is a level 2 travel health notice for COVID-19 related to travel to all countries. These travellers should remember to make informed decisions when considering travel outside of Canada and are advised to maintain enhanced health precautions and practice public health measures at their ports of entry.
For now, other travellers entering Canada by air, land or sea after October 1, 2022:
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
- COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required
- Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required
- Using ArriveCAN is not required
- Pre-boarding tests for cruise passengers are not required
- As always, travel documents are required
- Health checks to board planes and trains are not required
- Wearing masks on planes and trains is not required
However, if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you shouldn’t travel to Canada.
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