If you’re planning to cross the border into Canada, one of the key questions you probably have is “Do I need to show a negative COVID-19 test result?” The answer depends on your vaccination status and country of origin. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of Canada’s current testing requirements for entry so you can travel prepared.
COVID Testing Requirements for Fully Vaccinated Travelers
As of July 2022, fully vaccinated travelers arriving in Canada no longer need to provide a pre-entry COVID test result. This applies to all vaccinated foreigners entering Canada for discretionary travel.
To qualify as fully vaccinated, you must have received:
- The full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (e.g. two doses of Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc.)
- The full series of vaccines, with the last dose at least 14 days prior to entering Canada
- Vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO)
As long as you meet these requirements, you can enter Canada without taking any pre-arrival COVID tests.
What If You Recently Recovered From COVID?
If you recently recovered from COVID-19 and are not vaccinated, you may qualify for the fully vaccinated exemption. To be eligible, you must provide proof of a positive COVID test taken 10 to 180 days before arriving in Canada.
With this documentation, unvaccinated travelers who recently recovered from COVID can enter Canada without pre-arrival testing.
COVID Testing Requirements for Unvaccinated Travelers
If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Canada still requires you to show proof of a negative molecular COVID test taken no more than 72 hours before your scheduled entry. Unlike vaccinated travelers, unvaccinated foreigners must take a pre-arrival test to enter Canada.
Accepted molecular COVID tests include:
- PCR test
- NAAT test
- RT-LAMP test
Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. Your negative test result must be from an accredited laboratory or testing provider.
Unvaccinated Children Under 12
Unvaccinated children under 12 years old who are traveling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians are exempt from pre-arrival testing. However, unvaccinated kids traveling alone or with unvaccinated adults must still provide a negative COVID test result.
Summary
- Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to take any pre-arrival COVID tests to enter Canada.
- Unvaccinated foreigners must provide proof of a negative molecular COVID test taken within 72 hours before arrival.
- Unvaccinated children under 12 are exempt from testing only if traveling with vaccinated parents/guardians.
By understanding Canada’s latest testing requirements based on your vaccination status, you can pass the border smoothly. Safe travels!
