COVID-19 Quarantine, Testing and Vaccination Rules

Summary#

The Government of Canada (through the Public Health Agency of Canada) issued the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations). It sets testing, quarantine and vaccination rules for anyone entering Canada and was in force starting December 21, 2021, with some changes taking effect January 15, 2022, and the order scheduled to end on January 31, 2022.

What it does#

• Requires most travellers entering Canada (by air, land or water) to show a COVID-19 molecular test result taken no more than 72 hours before departure or entry, or proof of a previous positive molecular test within a set time window (the Order revises that window to 10 days to 180 days for some provisions effective January 15, 2022).
• Keeps a rule that people who enter Canada must keep and be able to provide their test and vaccination documents for the first 14 days after arrival.
• Requires travellers to submit contact and travel information and a quarantine plan (usually via ArriveCAN) before or when they arrive.
• Continues testing on arrival and a follow-up test during the post-entry period for many travellers; fully vaccinated travellers keep some testing and information requirements but are generally exempted from the 14‑day quarantine if they meet the conditions.
• Restores the pre-arrival test requirement for fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents who travel for short trips (the temporary exemption that existed was removed as of December 21, 2021).
• Allows the Chief Public Health Officer or quarantine officers to impose special testing or conditions, and to designate classes of people who are exempt or subject to different rules (examples include crew members, certain essential workers, students, and people involved in specific sport events).
• Revises several lists of exemptions and narrows or updates some timelines and conditions; the amended parts came into force on January 15, 2022.
• Notes penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to $1,000,000 or imprisonment for up to three years.

Who's affected#

• Most international travellers to Canada: tourists, returning Canadians and residents, temporary workers and visitors.
• Fully vaccinated travellers and unvaccinated travellers (the rules and exemptions differ).
• Crew, transport and trade workers, some students, emergency responders, members of the Canadian Forces, and people in certain remote or integrated border communities who have specific listed exemptions.
• Organizers and participants in authorized international single-sport events if they receive special letters of authorization.
• Anyone required to submit information via ArriveCAN or to keep proof of tests and vaccination during the post-entry period.
• Provinces, territories and local public health authorities are involved for enforcement and follow-up.

If the source lists a particular exemption or class, that group may be affected in a different way; the Order contains many specific exemption tables.

Why it matters#

• If you plan to travel to Canada, you may need a negative molecular test taken within 72 hours, proof of vaccination, and to submit arrival information electronically. You should keep your test and vaccine documents for at least the first 14 days after entry.
• Fully vaccinated travellers have fewer quarantine requirements but still must meet testing and information rules and can be selected for post-arrival testing (in which case they may need to quarantine until a negative result).
• The Order was written to slow the importation and spread of COVID-19 and new variants (notably Omicron at the time). That affects travel plans, border processing, and when and how people can return to work or school after travel.
• Breaking the rules can carry heavy penalties, so travellers should check the requirements (including any changes that take effect January 15, 2022) before travelling and follow directions from Canadian public health and border officers.