Antigen test soon an option for Canada travel

Fully vaccinated travelers will soon have the option to show proof of a negative antigen test, instead of a PCR test, when entering Canada. Canadian government officials announced the changes will go into effect Monday, February 28.

The new rules do not affect travelers entering Canada from Point Roberts. Regardless of citizenship or place of residence, individuals entering Canada at the Boundary Bay crossing are not required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test. However, they must be vaccinated and complete the ArriveCan app prior to arriving at the port of entry.

Since late December, vaccinated travelers have been required to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours in order enter Canada.
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced February 15 the government will allow people to take antigen tests, which are typically cheaper and provide quicker results than PCR tests, to enter the country. However, an antigen test must be taken the day before travel and be administered through a healthcare clinic, laboratory or telehealth.
At-home antigen tests won’t be accepted, according to PHAC. Canada will still accept PCR tests taken within 72 hours of travel.
Canadian officials said the relaxing of border regulations is a result of Covid-19 dropping in Canada as the omicron variant declines from its peak.
“As provinces and territories adjust their public health measures, and as we transition away from the crisis phase, it is now time to move towards a more sustainable approach to long-term management of COVID-19,” PHAC officials wrote in the February 15 announcement.
The Canadian government will also drop its recommendation to avoid nonessential travel that it put in place as the omicron variant began to spread through the U.S. and Canada.
Unvaccinated children under 12 years old who travel with a vaccinated adult will no longer need to quarantine for 14 days.
Unvaccinated Canadians will still need to take a Covid-19 test when arriving to Canada and then again on their eighth day in the country. They must also continue quarantining for 14 days after arrival. Most unvaccinated non-Canadian residents will continue to not be able to travel into the country unless they are exempt.
Travelers are still required to use the ArriveCAN app to enter Canada.