For unvaccinated travellers without symptoms of COVID-19 arriving in Canada by land, air or water

This document explains the legal requirements set out in the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations). These contain instructions from a Quarantine Officer.

Warning: If you do not comply, you may be transferred to a quarantine facility, face fines, and/or imprisonment.

A government representative will be calling you from 1-888-336-7735 and may visit you to verify you are complying with the quarantine measures.

Keep this handout for reference for the next 14 days.

Public health measures to follow

Complete tests on arrival and on day 8

• Take COVID-19 tests as directed on arrival to Canada
  • If instructed to complete your test on-site, you must register and the on-site test provider will collect your sample.
  • If instructed to take a self-swab kit home, you must:
    • complete your specimen collection within 24 hours of entering Canada
    • arrange for pick up and delivery to the test provider
  • If instructed to test off-site at a clinic, pharmacy or satellite testing location, you must proceed to the location specified by the test provider within 24 hours of entering Canada.
• Take your day 8 test as instructed.
• If you receive a positive COVID-19 test result, you must isolate immediately for an additional period of 10 days, even if your province or territory has a shorter isolation period.
• The isolation period starts on the:
  • earliest of the date you completed the COVID test, if the date is validated by the test provider or
  • the date of the test result
• Keep a copy of your travel-related COVID-19 test results until the end of your quarantine.
• During your quarantine period, upon request, provide your test results to the:
  • Government of Canada or
  • government of the province or territory or
  • local public health authority

Receiving and understanding your test results

• You will receive an email or text message with instructions on how to view your test results online.
  • Call your testing provider if you do not have internet access.
• If you receive an indeterminate or invalid test result, you are required to take another test.
  • Contact your testing provider within 24 hours of receiving your test result to make arrangements to complete another sample.
• If you require assistance or do not receive your test result after 4 days, please contact your testing provider.
  • Contact information is available at Travel.gc.ca/testing.

Quarantine

• Go directly to your suitable place and quarantine for at least 14 days or as directed by a screening officer or quarantine officer.
• While travelling to your place of quarantine, wear a well-constructed, well-fitting mask while in transit.
  • If driving, avoid stops and remain in the vehicle as much as possible.
• Your quarantine will end after the 14th day only if:
  • you do not have symptoms and
  • you do not receive a positive test result from required tests

Report

• Report your arrival at your place of quarantine within 48 hours.
• Report daily on your health status relating to signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in ArriveCAN or at 1-833-641-0343.

Monitor

• Monitor your health during your time in quarantine.
• If you start having symptoms:
  • report within 24 hours to the Public Health Agency of Canada by calling 1-833-641-0343
  • isolate immediately for an additional period of 10 days, even if your province or territory has a shorter isolation period

Understand the common signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

While in quarantine

Do

• Avoid contact with others who did not travel with you and sleep in a separate bedroom.
• Access the necessities of life (e.g., water, food, medication, and heat) without leaving quarantine.
• Follow guidelines from local public health.
  • If there is a conflict between public health and this handout, follow the strictest measure.
• Respond to calls or visits from screening officers or law enforcement.

Do not

• Do not use shared spaces such as lobbies, courtyards, restaurants, gyms or pools.
• Do not have any visitors.
• Do not leave your place of quarantine except:
  • for an essential medical service or treatment
  • to obtain a COVID-19 test
  • as pre-authorized by a quarantine officer

For more information

• 1-833-784-4397 (toll-free)
• canada.ca/coronavirus