Great news for those planning on a ski vacation to Canada in the near future – border measurements are being eased to better the long-term management of COVID-19. This impacts current testing requirements, flights and quarantine, with the Government of Canada adjusting the travel health notice, decreasing it from level three to level two.
Main changes set to begin February 28, 2022, include:
- Lifting the ban on international flights to all remaining airports that usually accept international flights.
- Fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada from any country will be subject to random COVID-19 PCR testing. Those selected will not need to quarantine while waiting for results.
- Travellers can now use either a negative COVID-19 Rapid antigen test or molecular PCR test for their required pre-entry proof. (Note the negative rapid antigen test must be taken within 24 hours of the scheduled flight/arrival at the border. The negative PCR test will still need to be taken within 72 hours before departure). It must be administered by a telehealth service or laboratory healthcare entity.
- Minors under 12 years of age who aren’t vaccinated but are travelling with a fully vaccinated adult will not need to self-isolate and wait before returning to school or day-care. They will also not need to test or be subject to specific requirements.
- Unvaccinated travellers will still be required to get tested on arrival and on their eighth day in the country. They will still need to quarantine for 14 days.
- Proof of a prior COVID-19 infection must be shown through a molecular test result taken between 10 and 180 calendar days before entering Canada.
No longer will travellers be recommended to avoid non-essential travel; however, they are still encouraged to remain vigilant. Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos warned travellers, “I want to underscore that Canadians should still exercise caution when travelling abroad”. He said, “There is still the real risk of becoming sick or stranded while abroad and having to extend their trip or find themselves in need of medical assistance, should they test positive for COVID-19 while travelling abroad.”
These changes follow Canada passing the expected peak of Omicron with high vaccination numbers.
You can read more on the latest announcement here or by reading the Government of Canada press release.
If you’re keen to travel to Canada after this recent announcement, now is your chance! Ski Holidays and Tours offer ski packages in Canada that you will never forget. Enquire now to get planning.
