Entering Canada by land during COVID-19
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Organization: Public Health Agency of Canada
Date published: 2021-07-06
Upcoming border changes
Fully vaccinated foreign nationals may be allowed to enter Canada for discretionary travel on the following dates if they meet specific criteria:
- Effective August 9: American citizens and permanent residents of the United States, who currently reside in the United States, who meet specific criteria to qualify as fully vaccinated
- September 7 (intended start date): All other foreign nationals who qualify as fully vaccinated
The 3-night hotel stopover requirement will be eliminated for all travellers arriving by air after 12:01 A.M. EDT on August 9.
For travellers who are not fully vaccinated
Travellers entering Canada must follow the rules set out by the Emergency Orders under the Quarantine Act to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Failure to comply with any requirements or providing false information may result in fines, penalties or imprisonment. If you develop symptoms at any time, isolate yourself from others and contact local public health.
Before you travel
- Plan your quarantine.
- Take a COVID-19 molecular test in the U.S. within 72 hours before arrival at the border.
- Create an account with the test provider in advance to save time at the border.
- Use ArriveCAN to enter your information.
- Have your ArriveCAN receipt and test result ready.
At the border
- Wear a mask.
- Provide documents and information, including your quarantine plan.
Answer all eligibility and health screening questions. - Collect two COVID-19 molecular test kitsFootnote 1.
- Complete the first test at the border, if on-site services are available. If not, complete the test at your place of quarantine the day you arrive.
- Keep the second kit for use on Day 8.
If you have symptoms or an unsuitable quarantine plan, follow the directions provided by the government representative.
Your quarantine
- Go directly to your place of quarantine.
- If you didn’t complete a test at the border, follow the instructions in your kit to complete it the day you arrive.
- Use ArriveCAN or call 1-833-641-0343 to check-in the day after you enter Canada and to report symptoms daily.
- Complete and ship your Day 8 test kit according to the instructions.
You will be contacted by Government of Canada and provincial or territorial officials.
Find out if you can enter Canada
Footnotes
- Footnote 1
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Note: Arrival and Day 8 testing may differ for some travellers entering Alberta. Follow the instructions provided at the border.
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