COVID-19 Requirements: Travel, quarantine and borders
15 January 2021
Dear Canadian,
We are contacting you to provide an important reminder of a new requirement for those travelling to Canada. The current travel situation remains fluid. This message applies only to the requirements for entry into Canada. It is important that travellers investigate the requirements established by the airlines as well as by the countries you will transit through on the way back to Canada.
Negative COVID-19 test required for those flying into Canada
Effective January 7, 2021, air travellers 5 years of age or older will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result to the airline prior to boarding international flights bound for Canada.
COVID-19 testing
Travellers will be required to provide written or electronic documentation to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada showing they received a negative result from an approved COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to their scheduled boarding. *Without evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result, travellers will be denied boarding.
*Please note: If your travel plan includes multiple stops or layovers, the 72 hours applies to the scheduled departure of your final flight landing in Canada, not the first flight you board on your way to Canada. Please note: Your airline(s) may also have COVID-19 testing requirements.
More about the new requirements: https://tc.canada.ca/en/initiatives/covid-19-measures-updates-guidance-issued-transport-canada
Types of accepted tests
Canada will only accept two types of COVID-19 tests:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
- Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)
Required evidence to present to board flight to Canada
Please find more information on the required evidence to satisfy airline representatives when boarding your flight to Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/flying
Approved COVID-19 testing facilities
A list of accredited testing facilities which can provide you with a PCR COVID-19 test in Australia can be found at: https://consumer.healius.com.au
——————— ATTENTION ———————
Further requirements
There are additional measures and actions you must adhere to when travelling to Canada. Familiarize yourself with the most up to date requirements here: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/flying
Further resources:
- To depart Australia (an exemption may be required): https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/leaving-australia *If you are an Australian citizen or a permanent resident, you cannot leave Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions unless you have an exemption.
- Eligibility to enter Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid
- Travel, quarantine, and further requirements to enter Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/flying
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel restrictions, exemptions and advice: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html
Travel, transit, and keeping up-to-date
Travel insurance
Contact your travel/health insurance provider to obtain further information on access to a COVID-19 test from an accredited organization. Furthermore, investigate coverage and assistance in anticipation of delays or interruptions that may require you to get COVID-19 testing en route. This may influence your travel path to Canada.
Travel and transit
Returning to Canada from Australia or the Pacific region will require travel through transit countries. Prior to confirming travel arrangements, review all visa requirements and travel restrictions for transit countries.
Stay up to date with the latest transit restrictions and requirements, monitoring the status of your flights, both domestic and international. If you experience any changes to your flights, please contact your airline directly.
Do you need consular assistance? If you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Government of Canada office. We kindly request you contact us by phone or email in the first instance to protect the health and safety of staff and visitors. https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates
Within Australia, please contact:
The Consulate General of Canada in Sydney
- sydny-cs@international.gc.ca (if you are located in NSW, QLD, and NT)
- +61 (0)2 9364 3000
The High Commission of Canada in Canberra
- cnbracs@international.gc.ca (if you are located in ACT, WA, VIC, SA, TAS)
- +61 (0)2 6270 4000
Outside of business hours, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre at Global Affairs Canada headquarters (24 hours a day, seven days a week) by calling +1 613 996 8885, or email: sos@international.gc.ca
Kind regards, Canada Down Under Team
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