Program delivery update: New COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Requirements
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
February 22, 2021
To protect Canadians from COVID-19, the Government of Canada has introduced additional testing and more stringent quarantine requirements for individuals travelling to Canada both by land and air.
While the processing of travel exemptions by IRCC will proceed as usual, for awareness the information on the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirements on all COVID-19 TR pages has been removed and the following enhanced text has been added to the travel restrictions measures page:
Additional requirements for individuals travelling to Canada are now in place:
- For air travellers, in addition to the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirements for all individuals 5 years of age or older, this includes COVID-19 testing on arrival and the need to reserve, prior to travel, a 3-night stay, at their own cost, in a government-approved accommodation (hotel), where they will stay while awaiting the results of their arrival test.
- For travellers arriving by land, proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival is now required, in addition to testing upon entry.
The processing of travel exemptions will proceed as usual. Clients can be directed to consult How COVID-19 is affecting immigration, refugees, citizenship and passport services for the latest information before making any travel plans, and again before departing for Canada.
Updated instructions
- Travel restriction measures: COVID 19 program delivery
- Temporary residence: COVID-19 program delivery
- Temporary resident visas (TRVs) (visitor visas)
- Electronic travel authorization (eTA)
- Students – Travel to Canada
- Work permit
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