February 11, 2022
The federal government is set to eliminate PCR testing requirements for fully vaccinated Canadians travelling outside of the country, a senior government source tells CTV News.
Currently, any person who travels outside the country must provide proof of a negative molecular test, such as a PCR test, prior to returning to Canada. The test must be taken within 72 hours of scheduled departure on a flight or arrival at a land border.
Ottawa is set to remove those requirements at the end of the month, CTV News has confirmed. Instead of a PCR test, Canadians will be required to show proof of a negative antigen test, similar to the United States.
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos signalled Friday that the federal government would announce changes to pandemic measures at Canada’s borders next week.
The federal government has advised against all non-essential international travel since mid-December following the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.