Travelers arriving from China, Hong Kong, and Macao must present COVID-19 test result: Canadian Govt

For the time being, Canada will only accept passengers arriving by flight from the People's Republic of China with a negative COVID-19 test result. This action is in reaction to a recent increase in COVID-19 cases across the nation. All incoming air travelers over the age of one will now need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding a trip to Canada from the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, or Macao, per a new temporary regulation that goes into effect on January 5, 2023.

Canada requires that the result submitted by the traveler be from a test completed no more than two days before the traveler's date of departure as part of this policy, which will be in effect for an initial period of 30 days. The test could be either a negative molecular (such as a PCR test) or a negative antigen test that has paperwork to prove that it has been tracked by a telehealth service or an accredited laboratory or testing provider, according to the Canadian government.

The Canadian government will also accept proof of a past positive test from travelers who tested positive more than 10 days (but no more than 90 days) before their departure in place of a negative test result. Travelers who are unable to present a negative test result or proof of a prior positive result will not be allowed to board the aircraft. Regardless of country or vaccination status, all inbound air travelers from the region will also be subject to the new regulations.

Additional precautions for heightened COVID-19 protection

In addition to the temporary adjustments previously mentioned for visitors from the People's Republic of China, the Canadian government has announced that visitors will be questioned about recent trips to Hong Kong, Macao, or the People's Republic of China "when arriving at Primary Inspection Kiosks and Gates, or when making a customs declaration using the optional Advance [Canada Border Services Agency] CBSA Declaration prior to arriving at airports in Canada," according to the government. 

If they respond in the affirmative, CBSA agents will give those travelers more public health information on COVID-19 transmission, personal preventive measures, and what to do if they exhibit symptoms. Not applicable to those arriving by land, only those traveling by air.

In order to assess the COVID-19 prevalence in different parts of the world, the Public Health Agency of Canada is building on this by launching a wastewater testing project with aircraft at Vancouver International Airport and expanding the current project with Toronto Pearson International Airport.

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