The travel industry has applauded the federal government’s decision to remove the COVID-19 PCR testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers entering or returning to Canada.
Beginning February 28, fully vaccinated travellers can cross into Canada with proof of an antigen test rather than a PCR test.
In addition to the eased testing requirements, travellers will no longer have to quarantine while awaiting their test results if they get randomly selected for testing.
Restrictions on unvaccinated children younger than 12 and travelling with vaccinated adults are also being lifted, meaning they will no longer need to wait and self-isolate before attending school, daycare, or camps. They will also no longer be subject to testing and other specific requirements.
However, unvaccinated travellers will still be required to be tested on arrival into Canada and must quarantine for 14 days.
The government will also be easing its current advisory recommending Canadians avoid non-essential travel.
As of February 28, all Canadian airports that normally receive international flights will once again be able to do so. Currently, only 18 accept international arrivals.