Monday, July 5, 2021, will forever be remembered as the date that Canada’s border and quarantine rules, after 16 months of coronavirus-related restrictions, finally began to ease – slowly – for some travellers.
Starting at 12:01 am ET on July 5, fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents who have had a full series of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the Government of Canada will be able to skip their 14-day quarantine.
Eligible travellers arriving in Canada by air will also be exempt from spending three days in government-approved hotel, putting an end to a policy that was met with widespread criticism and complications.
Returning Canadians will also have to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccine via the government’s ArriveCAN app before arriving, undergo pre- and on-arrival PCR testing, be asymptomatic and have a quarantine plan ready to go, just in case.
Anyone who arrived before today must still spend two weeks in quarantine upon arrival, says Canada Border Services Agency.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), on Monday (July 5), posted an advisory to their website, noting that “international arriving passengers should expect delays” as travel restrictions change.
“Your arrival experience will be different than trips prior to the pandemic,” Pearson airport writes, issuing a warning of additional screening, health checks and delays to the arrivals process.
Changes to the arrival experience
Pearson is urging those who are entering Canada to remember the following points:
- If a flight arrives during peak times, passengers may be asked to deplane from the aircraft to an area within the terminal. Passengers will be required to wait for space to become available in the customs hall, where processing begins.
- Once at customs, you will be screened by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer, where you will present your documents and show your ArriveCAN app submission.
- After screening is completed by a CBSA officer, you may be referred to the Public Health Agency of Canada to answer additional questions.
- The next step in the process is to collect your luggage, before proceeding to the arrivals testing area. All passengers must complete a COVID-19 test on arrival into Canada, regardless of vaccination status.
- Unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated travellers are strongly encouraged to pre-book their government approved accommodation prior to entering Canada. Passengers who have not booked their government approved accommodation prior to entering Canada can do so from the baggage hall. Booking at the airport will add additional processing time to your arrival journey.
- When testing is complete, fully vaccinated travellers can leave the airport. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers will be required to go to their government approved accommodation.
Pearson has shared these links to help passengers prepare for a smooth journey:
- Review Toronto Pearson’s Ready to Travel hub
- Download the ArriveCAN app and fill out the form
- Book your quarantine hotel (if necessary)
- Review the Government of Canada’s travel requirements
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