Canada drops PCR requirement

bborzell · 02-15-2022, 11:38 PM

As of 2/28/22, Canada will accept the rapid antigen test for fully vaccinated travelers into Canada.

Can (perhaps must) be taken within 24 hours of crossing the border.

Good news.

Brian B-P · 02-22-2022, 07:39 PM

This thread belongs in COVID-19 | Discussion Zone, not General Escape.

sofmerc · 02-22-2022, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bborzell

As of 2/28/22, Canada will accept the rapid antigen test for fully vaccinated travelers into Canada.

Can (perhaps must) be taken within 24 hours of crossing the border.

Good news.

Does that mean peeps who are unvaxed with a neg test can get into the country?

Ron in BC · 02-22-2022, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bborzell

As of 2/28/22, Canada will accept the rapid antigen test for fully vaccinated travelers into Canada.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sofmerc

Does that mean peeps who are unvaxed with a neg test can get into the country?

"for fully vaccinated travelers"

Ron

emers382 · 02-22-2022, 10:17 PM

We got our molecular test this morning, fortunately Kansas provides them free of charge for anyone, and it's an NAAT test with results while you wait. Both negative hope to make it home tomorrow depending on weather.

Mike G · 02-22-2022, 11:03 PM

I was wondering if the antigen tests would start to be accepted as 'official' like the pcr tests have been. Nice to know. Hopefully acceptance will become wider and wider over time.

Upfisk · 03-01-2022, 02:31 PM

We will be traveling for 5 days to reach Washington state. Where in the northern middle of the state can we get a rapid Covid test acceptable to Canada for entry at Okanagan, BC? I tried registering on a WA state test site and it is unhappy I live in AZ. It also was not pleased I wanted a test for travel not exposure.

gbaglo · 03-01-2022, 03:07 PM

Go here for current requirements, which may change tomorrow or a month from now.
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services.../menu-eng.html
Many travel requirements are changing.

Upfisk · 03-01-2022, 03:13 PM

The current link is confusing. Yes, we are fully vaxed and boosted. Yes, it has been at least 14 days since last shot. Then it says pre entry test requirements and indicates a lab rapid Covid test result is still required. Hoping the test requirements are changed by the rally

gbaglo · 03-01-2022, 03:30 PM

My understanding from news reports is that a PCR test is no longer required and that a rapid antigen test is fine, but it must be done by a medical professional, not you.
That is why I suggest going to Canada Border Services for the latest, accurate information.

I've spent the last week trying to get my meds refilled. I ran out three days ago. Waiting for a callback. Ready to quit.

emers382 · 03-01-2022, 05:07 PM

Getting an antigen test to enter Canada can actually be more onerous than getting a molecular. The antigen test must be administered by a pharmacy or clinic and must be done the day before entering Canada.

We are returning to visit family in Kansas next month and if the same rules are in effect will again go to a local urgent care where we went last week and get a molecular NAAT test for which you wait for results at the clinic. Kansas provides covid testing for anyone for free. The test is then good for 72 hours, so we don't have to rush back home as we would have to do getting an antigen test or looking for somewhere to get it closer to Canada.

escape artist · 03-02-2022, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emers382

We got our molecular test this morning, fortunately Kansas provides them free of charge for anyone, and it's an NAAT test with results while you wait. Both negative hope to make it home tomorrow depending on weather.

Hi: emers382... "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore". It's more or less testy crossing the border as of today!!!

Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

escape artist · 03-17-2022, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

My understanding from news reports is that a PCR test is no longer required and that a rapid antigen test is fine, but it must be done by a medical professional, not you.
That is why I suggest going to Canada Border Services for the latest, accurate information.

I've spent the last week trying to get my meds refilled. I ran out three days ago. Waiting for a callback. Ready to quit.

Hi: gbaglo... One, two, three. Test free... by Apr. 1st. Could it be a joke?

Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

gbaglo · 03-17-2022, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by escape artist

Hi: gbaglo... One, two, three. Test free... by Apr. 1st. Could it be a joke?

Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

Nope. Of course cases of a new variant are raging in Europe and China, so best check Canada Border Services ( and U.S. border, if you want to return ), closer to your travel date.

**Donna D.** · 03-17-2022, 10:56 AM

The first paragraph: "With a new version of the Omicron coronavirus variant picking up steam in the United States, as many as 28 million seniors remain at risk of becoming severely ill from Covid-19, either because they are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, or because it has been more than five months since their second or third dose of a vaccine, according to a CNN analysis of federal data."

IF you care to read the rest of the article: https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/16/healt...xN4TrI8awX7AoI

cpaharley2008 · 04-01-2022, 08:36 AM

Todays news is "Lifting of Covid restrictions at border"......

escape artist · 04-01-2022, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Todays news is "Lifting of Covid restrictions at border"......

Hi: cpaharley2008... Just when there's no test required to get back home... its to expensive to go away!!!

Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

cpaharley2008 · 04-01-2022, 08:49 AM

Yes, with gas prices being a $1/more per gallon, it bite will be a little more painful......

emers382 · 04-01-2022, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by escape artist

Hi: cpaharley2008... Just when there's no test required to get back home... its to expensive to go away!!!

Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

Alf don't jinx people by saying no test to get back home. You may still be randomly selected at the border to take a test there or once you get home. We just got an email reminder that we have to keep track of all contacts and places we've visited for the fourteen days after return from the US, that I believe is still in place.

We just returned Tuesday from our daughter's after a quick trip to assist due to illness, and got caught with Kansas now charging for covid testing, we got it free before. Had we been able to return three days later then no test.

escape artist · 04-01-2022, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emers382

Alf don't jinx people by saying no test to get back home. You may still be randomly selected at the border to take a test there or once you get home. We just got an email reminder that we have to keep track of all contacts and places we've visited for the fourteen days after return from the US, that I believe is still in place.

We just returned Tuesday from our daughter's after a quick trip to assist due to illness, and got caught with Kansas now charging for covid testing, we got it free before. Had we been able to return three days later then no test.

Hi: emers382... This is no hi jinx. The way we're living at the moment, there'll be no list.

Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

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