New federal requirements for all travellers returning from outside of Canada
On February 22, 2021 new federal requirements, including mandatory border testing and hotel quarantine, will come into effect for international travellers.
Learn more about the Government of Canada's restrictions on international travel.
All travellers returning from international destinations by air (including the United States) must reserve a room in a Government of Canada-approved hotel for three nights at their own cost, individuals must also take a COVID-19 molecular test upon arrival at their own expense.
Towards the end of your quarantine, you will be required to take another COVID-19 test. You will be required to stay in your place of quarantine until you receive a negative test result.
Before departure, the following requirements must be met by all air travellers:
- Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test (via either paper or electronic proof of result) to the airline before boarding a flight to Canada.
- Complete the ArriveCAN before crossing the border or boarding a flight.
People entering Canada by air can only arrive at four select international airports:
- Calgary International Airport
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Vancouver International Airport
- Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
The Government of Saskatchewan recommends reviewing the all the federal air travel requirements before travelling back to Canada. Some exemptions are in place.
The restriction of all non-essential travel at the Canada-U.S. border are still in effect.
Consider the following before you arrive:
- the location of your 14-day quarantine
- how you will travel to your quarantine location
- how you will get food, medication, etc.
You cannot quarantine in a place where you will have contact with people who:
- are 65 years or older
- have underlying medical conditions
- have compromised immune systems
- work or assist in a facility, home or workplace that includes at-risk populations, including:
- Nurses, doctors, other healthcare professionals, personal support workers, social workers
- First responders, such as paramedics
- Cleaning and maintenance staff, receptionists and administrative staff, food services staff, volunteers, essential visitors to those living in long-term care facilities
You may only quarantine with people in these situations if:
- they consent to the quarantine or are the parent or minor in a parent-minor relationship
- you complete a form with a government representative at the port of entry explaining the consent and receive authorization to proceed
In these limited circumstances, a government representative will confirm consent.
Many travellers will be able to quarantine at home or at their Canadian destination.
Some travellers may be unable to quarantine at home or their final destination. In these cases, travellers are expected to make alternative arrangements for their return to Canada. Although alternative accommodations (e.g. with family or friends, or paid accommodation) may be suitable, the Government of Canada does not reimburse for expenses incurred for accommodations, including hotels, RV rentals and trailer park or campground fees.
You cannot quarantine in group living environments
Some examples include:
- a shelter, group home, group residence, hostels, industrial camps, construction trailers or other group setting
- a student residence (unless you've received prior authorization)
- a small apartment you share with others
- a shared household with a large family or families or many people
- shared living spaces with housemates who haven't travelled with you that you cannot avoid interacting with
For a full list of examples, visit the congregate living settings section.