Returning To Canada After A Short Trip? Molecular COVID Tests Required Once Again

Three weeks after the federal government dropped a COVID-19 PCR test requirement for trips less than 72 hours, the rule for entry back into Canada has been reinstated due to surging case counts.

As of 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 21, molecular tests (PCR, NAT, NAAT, or RT-LAMP) must be taken outside of Canada before re-entering the country and the results must be submitted through the ArriveCAN app.

The change came days after the Canadian government advised against non-essential travel outside of the country.

“Travel restrictions continue to change around the world and return options could become limited at any time. Now is not the time to travel,” a statement issued by officials on Friday said.

The Government of Canada recognizes that changing border measures can pose challenges for individuals and families. All border measures will continue to be evaluated and are subject to adjustments based on the latest science, evidence, and data.”

The change to the testing requirements came as many countries across the world, including Canada, have reported a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases fuelled by the Omicron variant.

The requests to drop the molecular test requirement for short trips in November, especially to and from the United States, came from the mayors of border communities and leaders from various industries in the private sector, citing delays at crossings, the impact on the economy and the cost of the tests — which can be as high as $300.

It was on Nov. 8 when people in Canada were allowed to cross into the United States through a land or border crossing for non-essential purposes.