1. Who is required to be tested?
    Since Thursday, January 7th, 2021, all air travellers aged 5 years or older must undergo a COVID-19 test prior to entering Canada. This test must be performed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or isothermal reverse transcription loop-mediated amplification (RT-LAMP) method to screen for COVID-19. This test must be performed within 72 hours prior to the traveller's scheduled flight to Canada. Proof of a negative test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding. Without a negative COVID-19 test result, travellers will be denied boarding.
  2. Where can the COVID-19 tests be performed?
    The Canadian government is expected to provide a list of approved testing centers in the coming days. In the meantime, travellers at their destination can have a COVID-19 test performed at clinics that are accredited by a government organization or professional association, or that hold ISO accreditation, which meets the criteria required by the Canadian government. Please note that it is the traveller's sole responsibility to ensure compliance with this testing requirement. Any traveller who does not present these documents at check-in will be denied boarding on their return flight to Canada. In addition, all costs associated with the COVID-19 molecular test, as well as travel expenses to and from the clinic, are incurred by the client. No travel insurance for VIDOC-19 can cover these costs.  No tour operator can guarantee the availability of appointments or the timing of receipt of results. Travellers who have questions or concerns about the new testing requirements can consult travel.gc.ca or contact their travel advisor.
  3. What types of COVID-19 tests can travellers take?
    The Canadian government requires that the test be performed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or isothermal reverse transcription loop-mediated amplification (RT-LAMP) method to screen for COVID-19.
  4. Can travellers be tested for antigens or antibodies?
    Currently, the requirements for entry into Canada are limited to PCR and RT-LAMP testing for COVID-19. Antigen or antibody tests, as well as other types of tests such as diffractive phase interferometry, are not accepted.
  5. If the traveller has been vaccinated against COVID-19, does the traveller still have to provide a negative result on the COVID-19 test?
    Yes, the traveller must test negative for the COVID-19 test in order to travel to Canada and be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival.
  6. What options are available to those who no longer wish to travel because of the new requirement to provide a negative COVID-19 molecular test result upon return to Canada?
    Travellers who have questions or concerns regarding their reservations can contact their travel advisor or call us at 1-800-640-1882.
  7. What happens if travellers cannot provide valid VIDOC-19 at check-in for their flight to Canada?
    In accordance with Government of Canada guidelines, passengers who cannot provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result will be denied boarding by the airline. It is the traveller's sole responsibility to ensure that valid proof of a negative COVID-19 test result is obtained within 72 hours prior to the scheduled departure of their flight. Travellers who do not comply with this requirement and are denied check-in will be responsible for all expenses related to the booking of new airline seats, as well as accommodation and meal expenses. Canadians requiring emergency consular assistance can contact the local office at their destination. They can also contact the Emergency Monitoring and Response Centre (EMRC) in Ottawa, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The EERC can be reached by phone at 613 996-8885 or by e-mail at sos@international.gc.ca.