COVID-19 Entry, Testing and Quarantine Rules

Summary#

The federal government re-issued the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order under the Quarantine Act. It sets testing, vaccination, quarantine and isolation rules for people entering Canada and takes effect for the period June 27 to September 30, 2022.

What it does#

• Keeps in place a general ban on foreign nationals entering Canada if they know or suspect they have COVID‑19 or show symptoms, with narrow exceptions.
• Requires many travellers to show COVID‑19 test results before travel:
  • a negative molecular (PCR) test taken within 72 hours, or
  • a negative antigen test taken the day before or the day of travel, or
  • a prior positive molecular test taken between 10 days and 180 days earlier can be accepted in some cases.
• Maintains a rule that most foreign nationals must be a fully vaccinated person to enter Canada, subject to listed exceptions.
• Keeps quarantine and testing on arrival for unvaccinated travellers:
  • a usual quarantine period of 14 days after entry, and
  • isolation for people with symptoms or a positive test for 10 days.
• Lets the Minister of Health temporarily bar entry from a country with an outbreak of a variant of concern for up to 30 days.
• Requires travellers to provide travel history, contact details and vaccination evidence electronically (via ArriveCAN) before boarding or entry in many cases, and to keep test and vaccination records for 14 days after arrival.
• Lists many specific exemptions and special rules for groups such as crew, members of the Canadian Forces, certain essential workers, and people with medical contraindications.
• Repeals the previous, similar order and applies until September 30, 2022.

Who's affected#

• Foreign nationals seeking to enter Canada for work, travel or other reasons.
• Fully vaccinated persons (who have different, eased requirements).
• Unvaccinated travellers, who generally face pre‑arrival testing, on‑arrival testing and 14‑day quarantine.
• Children under 12 years who travel with fully vaccinated adults (receive special treatment in many cases).
• Cruise ship passengers and operators — the order keeps specific rules for embarking, isolation and disembarkation.
• Crew members, some cross‑border commuters and essential workers (many are listed among exemptions).
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people registered under the Indian Act — many rules still apply to them on return, but there are specific provisions and exemptions.
• People with medical contraindications to COVID‑19 vaccines (they must show written evidence and meet testing/avoidance rules).

Why it matters#

• If you plan to enter Canada between now and September 30, 2022, this order affects what paperwork, tests and proof of vaccination you must have before travel.
• Unvaccinated people face more limits: they may be refused entry, need tests and must quarantine for 14 days, which can add time and cost to trips.
• The order aims to reduce the chance of new COVID‑19 variants entering Canada and to protect the health system. It also includes penalties for non‑compliance (up to $1,000,000 fine or three years’ imprisonment, or both).
• Many details, exceptions and operational steps (for example how to submit documents via ArriveCAN) are spelled out in the order; travellers should check the order text or official guidance before travelling.