Travellers two years of age and older arriving on flights originating from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao, will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test before departing for Canada beginning January 5, 2023.
The negative COVID-19 test result should be taken no more than two days before their departure, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced today.
The test could be either a negative molecular (such as a PCR test) or a negative antigen test that has documentation to show that it has been monitored by a telehealth service or an accredited laboratory or testing provider.
According to the news release, those who tested positive more than 10 days before their departure flight, but no more than 90 days, can provide the airline with documentation of their prior positive, in place of a negative test result.
The results should be submitted to the airlines before travel to avoid boarding denial.
These measures will apply to all air travellers on flights from China, Hong Kong or Macao, regardless of nationality and vaccination status.
PHAC says these temporary measures will be in place for 30 days and will be reassessed as more data and evidence becomes available.
All air travellers arriving in Canada will be asked if they have travelled to the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao in the last 10 days. Canada Border Services Agency Officers will provide those who were in the affected places with additional public health information on the transmission of COVID-19, personal protective measures and what to do if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.