As of January 5, 2023, the Canadian government has established a temporary border measure of a negative COVID-19 test required for travellers coming from China, Hong Kong, and Macao. This measure has been taken in order to protect and prevent the health and safety of Canadians as well as the spread of the virus.
What does this measure entail?
This border measure is established in response to the surge of COVID cases in China and the insufficient data available. This measure applies to travellers that are two years of age or older, arriving on flights coming from China, Hong Kong, or Macao will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, taken no more than two days before departure.
According to the Canadian government, ”the COVID test could either be a negative molecular (such as PCR test), or a negative antigen test that has documentation to show that it has been monitored by a telehealth service or an accredited laboratory or testing provider who provided the test to you.”
These temporary measures are in place for 30 days, they will be reevaluated as more information and data becomes available. Travellers will need to provide the airline they are travelling with the negative COVID test, or documentation of a positive test result within 10 to 90 days before boarding, otherwise entry can be denied at the boarding gate.
These measures applied to:
- Travellers who travel to Canada through connecting flights from other countries (for instance, if your flight starts from China and includes a connecting flight in a different country before arriving in Canada)
- Making a connection flight or transiting through Canada
What does the COVID test document need to include?
The test result might be presented on paper or in an electronic form, and it must include:
- traveller name and date of birth
- name and address of an accredited laboratory or testing provider that performed the test
- the date on which the test was conducted
- type of test conducted
- test result
Keep in mind, that you still need to show a test result even though you have been vaccinated for COVID-19.
Who does not need a COVID test?
Even though the test result is mandatory for almost everyone coming from China, Macao, or Hong Kong there are a few exceptions. Some of them include:
- Children who are under 2 years
- Travellers that spent less than 24 hours in China
- Crew members
- People who arrive on a humanitarian flight
In any case, check with your airline if you need a negative test with enough time before the flight.
If you want more information regarding the new measures placed, please go to the Canadian government website. If you want to know how Acsenda is managing the virus, please check out our COVID-19 updates page.