Travellers’ Testing, Isolation and Quarantine Obligations

Date: March 12, 2021
Classification: Unclassified
Fully releasable (ATIP)? Yes
Branch / Agency: CBSA

Proposed Response:

• All international travellers, with limited exceptions, arriving in Canada must undergo a COVID-19 molecular testing pre- and post-arrival and must have a suitable quarantine plan for the mandatory 14-day period, which starts on the date they arrive.
• All travellers (5 years of age or older), with some exceptions, must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 molecular test result before boarding an aircraft to Canada, or provide a positive test result obtained in the prior 14 to 90 days to show they are no longer infectious.
• As of February 15, 2021, travellers arriving by land, with limited exceptions, must present evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test taken with 72 hours in the U.S. before arriving at the port of entry. 
• As of February 22, all travellers must submit mandatory health information digitally, including contact information and/or a suitable quarantine plan, to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) using the ArriveCAN application before boarding a plane to Canada or before arriving at a land port of entry.
• All travellers, with limited exceptions, will be required to undergo COVID-19 molecular testing on arrival and to take a second test later in the 14-day post-entry period towards the end of their quarantine.
• Unless exempt, air travellers must submit evidence of a prepaid reservation for three nights at a government authorized accommodation (hotel) near the first airport of entry. Air travellers will be required to stay at their reserved hotel up to 3 days, at their own cost, while they await the result of their arrival test.
• Travellers who receive a negative result on their arrival test will  proceed to their suitable quarantine location to complete the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
• Travellers who become symptomatic, who test positive on their arrival test or who do not have a suitable quarantine plan will be referred to PHAC and may be directed to complete their quarantine at a Designated Quarantine Facility (DQF).
• Additionally, as of March 4, 2021, 16 land ports of entry offer onsite testing to test travellers on arrival.
• Travellers at ports of entry without onsite testing will be provided with swab kits and real-time, online guidance to self-administer the first test in their quarantine location on the first day, and a second test towards the end of their quarantine period.
• Every person entering Canada is required to answer any questions asked by a screening officer, quarantine officer, public health official, or peace officer for the duration of the 14-day period beginning on the day they enter Canada
• Government of Canada representatives conduct health screening at the time of entry to Canada to determine the need for quarantine or isolation.
• Non-compliant travellers who are not exempt from testing or quarantine requirements will be referred to PHAC for further assessment and possible enforcement action including fines up to $3,000 and criminal prosecution.

If pressed on testing and quarantine exemptions:

• Cross-border students who attend school in Canada and in the U.S. on a regular basis and their drivers are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements when entering Canada, subject to certain conditions.
• Residents of certain remote cross-border communities, who only cross the Canada-U.S. border to access the closest available necessities, are exempt from quarantine and testing requirement. These communities include:
  • Northwest Angle, Minnesota; Hyder, Alaska; Campobello Island, New Brunswick; and Stewart, British Columbia.
•  Travellers from Canada to the U.S. who are directed back from the U.S. are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements as long as they never left their vehicle at the U.S. POE.
• Foreign nationals who are not otherwise prohibited to enter Canada will be refused entry (with limited exceptions) if they do not have a valid pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test result.

 If pressed on more stringent suitable quarantine plan:

• The Government has strengthened requirements during the mandatory 14-day quarantine by stating travellers must:
• avoid all contact with others in their household with whom they did not travel;
• not stay with at-risk subpopulations or anyone who works with such a person.

If pressed on other measures to mitigate spread of virus at border:

• All travellers entering Canada must:
• arrange for a suitable place to quarantine or isolate;
• go directly to place of quarantine or isolation for 14 days, unless instructed differently by a Quarantine Officer;
• wear a non-medical mask or face covering in transit;
• not have any guests; and
• monitor for any symptoms.

If pressed on BSO authorities:

• BSOs are designated as screening officers under the Quarantine Act and are therefore empowered to review, challenge and confirm travellers’ statements and direct to a PHAC Quarantine Officer.
• On behalf of PHAC, the CBSA captures basic biographical data, contact information, and quarantine-based information of all travellers, with limited exceptions, while in Canada. Travellers who do not have an adequate quarantine plan are referred to PHAC.
• BSOs must also determine a traveller’s quarantine exemption status based on public health orders. Travellers who are exempt from quarantine, either through a provision of the Order in Council or a Chief Public Health Officer designation, are permitted to proceed into Canada unless other concerns are identified.
• Once a traveller is admitted into Canada, the responsibility to monitor compliance with quarantine falls within the mandate of the PHAC and provincial or territorial health authorities.
• It is important to note that the CBSA does not issue fines in the enforcement of the Quarantine Act requirements; the decision on whether to pursue any enforcement action related to the public health orders rests with PHAC.

Background:

The Government of Canada’s (GOC) top priority is the health and safety of Canadians. Failing to contain the outbreak may lead to widespread disease in Canada, increase negative health impacts and potentially overwhelm the health system. Canada has implemented measures, aimed at slowing the spread of the virus, including restrictions on non-essential travel across Canada’s international borders and mandatory quarantine and isolation measures to help prevent further spread of COVID-19. With new COVID-19 variants of concern being increasingly detected  in Canada, the GOC has announced further testing and quarantine requirements for international travellers arriving at air and land ports of entry. These new measures are intended to help prevent variants of concern from reaccelerating the pandemic. Exemptions continue to be in place to ensure that economic supply chains continue between Canada and the United States.

The recent reduction in the number of international travellers is related to new border restrictions and quarantine measures in place. The GOC is continuously monitoring and evaluating the situation and will ensure protective measures remain in place until they can be lifted safely.

Order in Council

New OIC 43: 2021-0075entitled Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine,  Isolation and Other Obligations),  has effect from the period beginning on February 14, 2021 (11:59:59 PM) and ending on April 21, 2021 (11:59:59 PM). This order repeals and replaces OIC 42:  2021-0011. This Order is to be read in conjunction with the Transport Canada Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirement of Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19 under the Aeronautics Act.

Requirement To Submit Information By Electronic Means - ArriveCAN *New*

As of February 22, 2021, whether arriving by land or air, all travellers are required to electronically submit their travel and contact information, including a suitable quarantine plan, via the ArriveCAN application before crossing the border or boarding a flight. (Digital submission pre-boarding has been mandatory in the air mode since November 21, 2020).

More stringent quarantine plan: For a quarantine location to be deemed suitable, travellers cannot stay with at-risk subpopulations including people who work in hospitals or long-term care facilities, adults over the age of 65, or those who are immunocompromised or at risk for more severe disease outcomes. In addition, travellers must avoid all contact with others in their household with whom they did not travel. 

Quarantine plan and contact information must be submitted for the 14-day quarantine period by electronic means to PHAC, unless travellers cannot do so because of a disability, inadequate infrastructure, a service disruption or a natural disaster, in which case this information can be provided in an alternate manner as specified by PHAC. This obligation does not apply to persons in transit who remain in sterile transit areas.

Asymptomatic travellers can submit their contact information through:

• PHAC Contact Information Desktop Application;
• Paper based PHAC Coronavirus Form;
• ArriveCAN online portal; or
• ArriveCAN Mobile Application.

PRE-ARRIVAL TESTING REQUIREMENT *NEW*

AIR MODE: As of January 6 at 11:59 PM EST, all travellers aged five (5) years or older, regardless of immigration status, who board an aircraft destined to Canada must present proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test. The test must be taken within 72 hours before the traveller’s scheduled departure and performed using one of two methods: either Molecular Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Reverse Transmission Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP). As of January 21, instead of providing a negative test, travellers can provide a positive test result of the test that was performed on a specimen that was collected at least 14 days and no more than 90 days before the aircraft’s initial scheduled departure time.

Unless otherwise exempt, before boarding, travellers must provide to the aircraft operator, documentation demonstrating the negative or positive test result including the following elements:

1. the person’s name and date of birth;
2. the name and civic address of the laboratory that administered the test;
3. the date the test was conducted and the test method used; and
4. the test results.

LAND MODE: As of February 15, 2021, all travellers, with some exceptions, are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours of pre-arrival, or a positive test taken 14 to 90 days prior to arrival.  Exemptions include essential workers such as truckers and emergency service providers, as well as cross border communities.

Note: See below for a complete list of exempted persons from Pre-Arrival Testing Requirements

Post-Arrival Testing Requirement *New*

All travellers, with limited exceptions, are required to undergo COVID-19 molecular testing at time of entry and once again later in the 14-day post-entry period while they are in quarantine. These test results will be analysed to track and limit spread of COVID-19 variants.

AIR MODE: As of February 22, 2021,all travellers, with some exceptions, are required to take a COVID-19 molecular test when they arrive in Canada before exiting the first airport of entry, and another toward the end of their 14-day quarantine period. With limited exceptions, air travellers are required to reserve prior to departure to Canada, a 3-night stay in a government-authorized accommodation (hotel). Travellers are required to stay at their reserved hotel for up to 3 nights, at their own cost, while they await the results of their arrival test. If they receive a negative result, they will be able to continue travel to their final destination to complete the 14-day quarantine. Travellers who test positive, develop symptoms or do not have a suitable quarantine plan will be directed to complete their isolation at a Designated Quarantine Facility (DQF).

Travellers need to book a hotel in the city in which they first arrive in Canada. If they receive a negative result on their arrival test, they will be able to take a connecting flight to their final destination. There are a number of hotels to choose from near each of the four international airports accepting international flights, in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. Costs of these hotel stays vary slightly at each location. It is up to the traveller to choose where they wish to stay and book in advance of departure. The price will include costs associated with the room, food, cleaning, infection prevention and control measures, and security as well as transportation.

LAND MODE: As of February 22, 2021, travellers entering Canada at the land border are required to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival as well as towards the end of their 14-day quarantine. As of March 4, the GOC operates 16 testing sites at points of entry across Canada. The GOC is also working to supply all other ports of entry with test kits for travellers to take home and self-administer testing on day 1 and towards the end of the quarantine period to meet requirements.

Five Land Ports of Entry with onsite testing as of February 22, 2021

• Douglas, British Columbia
• Coutts, Alberta
• Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
• St. Bernard de Lacolle (Highway 15), Quebec
• St Stephen 3rd Bridge, New Brunswick

Additional 11 Land Ports of Entry with onsite testing as of March 4, 2021

• Ambassador Bridge, Windsor, Ontario
• Blue Water Bridge, Point Edward, Ontario
• Emerson West Lynne, Manitoba
• Fort Erie (Peace Bridge), Ontario
• Huntingdon, British Columbia
• Lansdowne (Thousand Islands Bridge), Ontario
• Pacific Highway, British Columbia
• Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls, Ontario
• St-Armand, Quebec
• Stanstead (Route 55), Quebec
• Windsor-Detroit Tunnel, Ontario
• Exemptions:

Exemptions

The new Order allows for some limited exemptions to the requirements for post-entry testing and government-authorized accommodations. This includes new provisions for persons providing essential services, persons seeking essential medical treatment outside of Canada, persons entering Canada to assist in a major disaster, and unaccompanied dependent children.

Note: See below for a complete list of exempted persons from Post-Arrival Testing Requirements as well as those exempt from the requirement to do to a government-approved accommodation in the air mode.

Testing exemption authorities in specific circumstances *NEW*

To manage unforeseen emergency and exigent circumstances when pre and post arrival testing may not be feasible, the following exemption authorities have been added as of February 14, 2021:

• Exigent consular circumstances (Minister of Foreign Affairs);
• Emergency response (Minister of Transport or Minister of Public Safety);
• National Interest (Minister of Health), subject to conditions;
• Essential Service (Chief Public Health Officer), subject to conditions
• Exemption due to exigent reasons (Quarantine Officer)

Alternative Testing Protocol *NEW*

In some cases where pre or post arrival testing or quarantine would not be appropriate due to the urgency or critical nature of the work being performed by the incoming traveller, the ability to leverage new testing technologies will continue to be useful through the potential future introduction of alternative testing protocols that could be considered for collection of samples within a different timeframe in limited circumstances.

Compliance And Enforcement

Failure to provide documentary evidence of a COVID-19 test will not result in a prohibition on entry to Canada for those with a right of entry (Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, Registered Indians). Foreign nationals who are symptomatic or who fail to provide evidence of a valid pre-arrival test will be prohibited entry into Canada. Travellers who do not comply with quarantine or testing requirements pre and post arrival will be referred to PHAC and may be subject to a fine of up to $3,000 or face criminal prosecution. Additionally, travellers in quarantine or isolation are required to answer questions and provide information to peace officers on request.  Failure to provide accurate information or violating any instructions provided when entering Canada is an offence under the Quarantine Act and could lead to up to six months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines.

Quarantine And Isolation Requirements

All travellers entering Canada who are subject to mandatory quarantine or isolation, as well as quarantine exempt persons, are required to provide mandatory health information to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) under the Quarantine Act:

• Non-exempt travellers are required to provide required information including their travel details, phone number, email address, suitable quarantine plan and civic address where they intend to quarantine. This includes travellers who have been issued a limited release from quarantine by PHAC (i.e. compassionate entry);
• Exempt travellers are required to provide contact information (phone number and email address) where they can be contacted for a period of 14 days starting on the day the enter Canada.

Quarantine Exempt Classes of Persons

As of February 14, 2021, quarantine-exempt travellers must meet more stringent obligations with respect to mask wearing and must maintain a list of contacts during their initial 14-day period in Canada. Non-medical mask requirements have been amended to align with the Transport Canada Interim Order and exempts those younger than two years of age and those with physical restrictions that prevent mask wearing.
New quarantine exemption for a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who resides in Canada and who received essential medical services or treatments in a foreign country, if the person has the following:

• written evidence from a licensed health care practitioner in Canada who indicated that the medical services or treatments outside Canada are essential, and
• written evidence from a licensed health care practitioner in the foreign country who indicated that the services or treatments were provided in that country.

Note: See below for a complete list of exempted persons from Quarantine Requirements

Cross-border students

Elementary and secondary students enrolled in listed institutions in Canada who enter to attend school on a regular basis are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements as long as the applicable jurisdiction and local health authority approved quarantine exempt students. The drivers of such students are also exempt from testing and quarantine as long as they enter to escort the student to and from the listed institution. Drivers can only leave the vehicle, if at all, to escort the student to and from the institution and must wear a mask (or face covering) while outside the vehicle.

Students enrolled in educational institutions in the US who attend regularly and return to their habitual place of residence in Canada are exempt from quarantine requirements. The exemption also applies to their drivers who return to Canada after dropping off or picking up students at a school in the US, as long as they wear a mask (or face covering) while outside the vehicle, if at all, and only for the purposes of escorting the student to and from the school.

Note: cross-border students may not provide direct care to persons over the age of 65 in the first 14 days of their return to Canada.

Cross-border custody arrangements

Dependent children entering Canada under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements. Their drivers are also exempt when travelling between Canada and the US for the purposes of respecting such arrangements as long as wear a mask (or face covering) while outside the vehicle, if at all, and only for the purposes of escorting the child to and from the vehicle.

Cross-border communities

Habitual residents of remote communities of Northwest Angle (Minnesota) or Hyder (Alaska) are exempt from quarantine requirements when entering Canada to access necessities of life from the closest community in Canada where such necessities are available.

Habitual residents of remote communities of Campobello Island (New Brunswick) and Stewart (British Columbia) who return to Canada after going to the US solely to access necessities of life in the closest community where such necessities are available.

Note: Residents of Point Roberts (WA) transiting through Canada to return to their habitual residence or to access mainland USA are also exempt from testing and quarantine requirements.

Land border crossing

Persons who seek entry to Canada at a land border crossing are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements as long as they remained in their vehicle at all times while outside of Canada after they:

• Were denied entry to the US; or
• Entered US territory without seeking formal entry (“flagpolers”).

Note: All persons in a vehicle of travellers denied entry into the US must quarantine if any one of them gets out of the vehicle.

High performance amateur athletes and essential personnel

Foreign nationals who are high performance amateur athletes participating in an International Single Sport Event (ISSE) or persons deemed to perform an essential role in relation to an ISSE, may seek entry into Canada as long as they have an authorization letter issued by Heritage Canada (PCH).

The PCH authorization letter issued pursuant to subsection 7(2) of the order may include a risk mitigation plan with specific conditions (quarantine exemption) developed in consultation with PHAC and supported by applicable provincial government and local health authority.

Note: Not all high performance amateur athletes and essential personnel are exempt from the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement.

Projects

The mandatory isolation OIC has been updated to include an exemption from testing and quarantine requirements for persons who participate in a project (i.e. Alberta Pilot) to gather information to inform the development or quarantine requirements other than those set out in the order as long as they comply with the conditions imposed on them by PHAC. Such projects are entered under an arrangements between the Minister of Health and the minister responsible for health care in the province where the person enters into Canada.

Compassionate Entry

Pursuant to subsection 7.1(1), the requirements to remain in quarantine are different for a person who has written authorization from the Minister of Health for entry and a limited release from quarantine for one of the following purposes:

• To attend to the death of or provide support to a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or a person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who is residing in Canada and who is deemed to be critically ill by a licensed health care practitioner l;
• To provide care for a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or a person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who is residing in Canada and who is deemed by a licensed health care practitioner to have a medical reason that they require support; or
• To attend a funeral or end of life ceremony.

Contacts:

Approved by: Kathy Thompson, Vice-President, Strategic Policy Branch

Date modified:

2021-08-16