Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada 
Starting Saturday, random COVID-19 tests for international travellers will be suspended.
The suspension will remain in effect until June 30, which is when the current COVID restrictions are set to expire, unless they are renewed by the federal government.
Unvaccinated travellers still have to be tested, however starting July 1, all testing will be moved off site, rather than take place at the airport
This change comes amid long lineups at airports in Canada, with many travellers expressing their frustrations with the delays in recent months as travel rebounds following a pandemic hiatus.
I've learned the federal government is set to temporarily suspend random COVID testing at all airports. It begins tomorrow and goes until June 30.
Listen to @CityNewsTO for the latest— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) June 10, 2022
The Government of Canada recognizes the impact that significant wait times at some Canadian airports are having on travellers. We continue to work with airports, airlines, baggage handlers, and other partners to implement solutions to reduce delays as we approach the summer peak season,” the federal government said in a statement.
On Friday, the U.S. announced COVID-19 testing for air travellers entering that country will be lifted as of Sunday.
That move eases one of the last remaining government mandates in that country meant to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
However, experts note this could lead to increased demand for travel and therefore higher flight and hotel prices.
Canada dropped its pre-entry testing requirement for international air travellers as of April 1.
While pre-entry testing requirements for people who’ve received a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine have been dropped, travellers could still be randomly tested when they arrive.
All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are also still required to continue using the ArriveCAN app and are being reminded that Health Canada still requires anyone coming into this country from abroad to wear a mask in public for 14 days.
