COVID-19: For persons exempt from entry prohibitions, and quarantine and testing requirements

Organization: Public Health Agency of Canada

Date published: 2021-11-30

Warning: Read this handout carefully. It contains instructions from a quarantine officer and screening officer that you are required to meet under the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation, and Other Obligations). They are legally binding under the order.

Your compliance with this order is subject to monitoring, verification and enforcement. If you do not comply, you may be transferred to a quarantine facility, face fines, and/or imprisonment.

Keep this handout for reference for the next 14 days.

Government of Canada border measures

The Government of Canada has put in place emergency measures to reduce the introduction and spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern in Canada. Travellers arriving in Canada must meet the requirements under the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation, and Other Obligations).

You were granted an exemption from quarantine and arrival testing under the order. Your eligibility for exemption will be verified each time you enter Canada.

Your compliance with the requirements below is subject to verification and enforcement.

Requirements for exempt travellers for 14 days after entry

• Wear a well-constructed, well-fitting mask if you are in a shared space.
• Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
• Respect the public health guidance and instructions of the area where you are travelling.
• Maintain a list of locations visited and close contacts, including the person’s name and contact information. 

If you develop any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19, you must immediately:

• isolate for 10 days
• report within 24 hours to the Public Health Agency of Canada by calling 1-833-641-0343 (the official will provide you with additional details and instructions)
• contact the appropriate public health authority, as specified below, and follow their instructions

The isolation period starts the earliest of:

• the date you developed symptoms or
• the date of the test result or
• the date you completed the COVID test, if the date is validated by the test provider or
• the date of the exposure to the other persons (only if you are asymptomatic or did not receive a positive test result)

If you were required to present a COVID-19 molecular test result on arrival to Canada, you must:

• retain a copy of the COVID-19 molecular test results for the 14-day period which begins on the day you entered Canada, or for 10 additional days if you become symptomatic or test positive and
• provide that evidence, upon request, to any Government of Canada or provincial/territorial government official or to the local public health authority of the place where you are located

Links to provincial/territorial COVID-19 information and resources can be found at:

• COVID-19: Provincial and territorial resources

For more information

Website: Canada.ca/coronavirus
Phone: 1-833-784-4397