These test methods are considered acceptable molecular tests:

• PCR - Polymerase chain reaction
• RT-PCR – reverse transcription real time PCR
• Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
• Nucleic acid test (NAT) or Nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs)
• Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)
• Isothermal amplification
• Droplet digital PCR or digital droplet PCR (ddPCR)
• RNA (Ribonucleic acid)
• Ct (cycle threshold)
• CRISPR
• Sequencing
• Next generational sequencing (NGS) or whole genome sequencing (WGS)
• Oxford Nanopore sequencing (LamPORE)
• Detection of the N gene
• Detection of Orf1a/b
• Detection of the S gene
• Detection of the E gene
• Detection of the RdRp gene

These tests use methods such as a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab, nose swab, or saliva sample. At this time, proof of having a vaccine will not replace a negative test result.

Learn more about COVID-19 diagnostic tests

The government will notify travellers should it become mandatory to obtain COVID tests from specific accredited laboratories or facilities.

You must present a negative laboratory test (paper or electronic proof of result) to the airline or private operator before coming to Canada. The negative laboratory test result must include:

• Traveller name and date of birth
• Name and civic address of the laboratory/clinic/facility that administered the test
• The date on which the test was conducted
• The method of test conducted (PCR or LAMP)
• The test result

Travellers must ensure that the COVID-19 test includes all the above-noted elements.

At this time, we encourage travellers to make best efforts to have their test performed at a reputable laboratory or testing facility (i.e., one recognized by the local government or accredited by a third party, such as a professional organization or international standards organization).

Select the country you’re coming from. Not all countries have testing facilities information available yet.

Canadian government offices abroad do not provide medical attention (including administering COVID-19 testing) or cover medical expenses for Canadian citizens abroad. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

• Embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

There are only a limited number of exceptions where an individual is not required to show proof of a negative test. Travellers arriving in Canada without a negative test may be subject to additional measures from federal Quarantine Officers.

• Children - children who are four years of age or younger (children who are five on the day of their travel must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test)
• Transit through Canada - transiting passengers who are only passing through Canada to reach another country
• Temporary exemptions for certain countries:
  • Haiti until January 21, 2021
• Crew members - a person who:
  • is a crew member as defined in subsection 101.01(1) of the Canadian Aviation Regulations or a person who enters Canada only to become such a crew member
  • is a member of a crew as defined in subsection 3(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations who is re-entering Canada after having left to participate in mandatory training in relation to the operation of a conveyance, and who is required by their employer to return to work as a member of a crew on a conveyance within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they return to Canada
• Essential services - a person or any person in a class of persons who, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer, will provide an essential service, if the person complies with any conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19. (Please note: this does not include groups identified under the mandatory quarantine exemption)
• Emergency services - a person who:
  • is permitted to work in Canada as a provider of emergency services under paragraph 186(t) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of providing those services
  • is an emergency service provider, including a firefighter, peace officer, or paramedic, who returns to Canada after providing emergency services in a foreign country and who is required to provide their services within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they return to Canada
• Escorting individuals for legal reasons - an official of the Government of Canada or a foreign government, including a border services officer, immigration enforcement officer, law enforcement officer, or correctional officer, who is escorting individuals travelling to Canada or from Canada pursuant to a legal process such as the deportation, extradition or international transfer of an offender
• National security - an official of the Government of Canada, the government of a province or a foreign government, including a border services officer, immigration enforcement officer, law enforcement officer or correctional officer, who:
  • enters Canada for the purposes of border, immigration or law enforcement, or national security activities, that support active investigations, ensure the continuity of enforcement operations or activities, or enable the transfer of information or evidence pursuant to or in support of a legal process, and
  • is required to provide their services within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada
• National interest - a person or any person in a class of persons whose presence in Canada, as determined by the Minister of Health, is in the national interest, if the person complies with any conditions imposed on them by that Minister to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
• Special exemptions - individuals or a group of individuals that have been granted an extraordinary exemption from Transport Canada

Operators of public transportation services may require travellers to wear a non-medical mask or face covering.

Before you travel, check for updates to see how transportation measures affect your plans and what you need to pack.

Transportation measures for travellers