Temporary COVID-19 Border and Quarantine Orders

Summary#

These are three emergency orders made under the Quarantine Act by the Public Health Agency of Canada on July 20, 2021 (published July 31, 2021). Together they keep tight border rules in place until August 21, 2021, including bans on most foreign nationals, required COVID-19 testing, and quarantine/isolation rules for people arriving in Canada.

What it does#

• Keeps in force the order titled Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country Other than the United States), which generally bars foreign nationals from entering Canada if they arrived from any country other than the United States, subject to many listed exemptions (family, workers, crew, diplomats, certain essential travellers, etc.).
• Keeps in force the order titled Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States), which restricts foreign nationals entering from the United States for optional or discretionary reasons (like tourism) and also includes exemptions and testing conditions.
• Keeps in force the order titled Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations), which sets rules on testing, quarantine and isolation for people entering Canada:
  • Pre-departure COVID-19 molecular test (e.g., PCR/RT-LAMP) required before boarding or entering, usually within 72 hours of travel (some narrow exceptions apply).
  • On-arrival testing and at least one post-arrival test during the 14-day monitoring period.
  • Air travellers (with limited exceptions) must show evidence of prepaid accommodation to stay in a government-authorized hotel near the first port of entry for a three-day period while awaiting their first test result. Travellers generally pay this cost unless the government covers it.
  • A general quarantine/isolation period of 14 days after entry, replaced by a new 14-day isolation if someone develops symptoms, tests positive, or is exposed.
  • People who are “fully vaccinated” (completed their vaccine regimen at least 14 days before entry and whose vaccine is accepted) can be exempted from full quarantine and the hotel stay if they meet documentation and testing rules, but they still must monitor for symptoms, may be randomly tested, wear masks in public, and keep a list of close contacts.
  • Travellers must provide travel and contact information (electronic submission encouraged, e.g., via ArriveCAN) and keep test and vaccination proof for 14 days after entry.
• Repeals earlier versions of these same orders made on June 21, 2021 and extends them until August 21, 2021.
• States enforcement consequences: failure to comply can carry fines up to $1,000,000 or three years imprisonment (or both), and other fines under the Contraventions Act.

Who's affected#

• International travellers and airlines: people trying to enter Canada by air, land or sea will be most affected.
• Foreign nationals seeking entry for tourism or other discretionary reasons (mainly barred).
• Fully vaccinated travellers and unvaccinated travellers: both face testing and documentation rules, but fully vaccinated people get some relaxed quarantine requirements if they meet the conditions.
• Specific groups named as exempt or specially handled: immediate and extended family of Canadians, diplomats, some workers (health, emergency, transport, marine, agriculture/food processing), crew members, students at approved institutions, Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and participants in certain sport events.
• Businesses that handle travel, including airports, airlines, hotels used for government-authorized accommodation, and freight/transport companies.
• Provincial/territorial and local public health authorities, who must coordinate on testing and approvals for some exemptions.
• If it is unclear whether a specific person or situation is exempt, the order leaves final decisions to border officials, the Chief Public Health Officer or the Minister of Health.

Why it matters#

• Travel plans: most non-essential international travel into Canada remained restricted through August 21, 2021, and travellers needed tests, paperwork and possibly paid hotel stays near entry points.
• Cost and inconvenience: travellers may face additional costs (tests, prepaid government-authorized accommodation) and must plan for possible quarantine or isolation.
• Family reunions and student travel: there are narrow rules and steps (declarations, authorizations) for family members and students; some people who expected to travel for visits, study or work may be delayed or need extra documentation.
• Health protection: the rules aim to reduce importation of COVID-19 and new variants by layering pre-departure testing, on-arrival testing, quarantine or modified quarantine for vaccinated travellers, and monitoring.
• Enforcement risk: serious penalties apply for non-compliance, and border officers or public health officials make final exemption and enforcement decisions at the point of entry.