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Writer's pictureKeanaKachmar

What Canadians should know while travelling during COVID-19

Updated: Mar 4, 2021


During such an uncertain time, it can sometimes be scary and intimidating thinking about hopping on a plane and travelling to a foreign place. Whether its right here in Canada or on the other side of the world, travel can appear scary; especially with a pandemic going on. Here's some updated tips and information that will help you SAFELY travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.


1.Know that the air you breathe on planes is NOT recirculated or unsafe

It is a common misconception that the air on planes is reused throughout the duration of the flight therefore making it unsafe. Many people think that you're more likely to catch an illness on a plane; but this couldn't be more false. Most aircrafts are equipped with HEPA filters that are similar to what's used in hospitals. These filters introduce fresh air into the cabin every 2-3 minutes while filtering 99.99% of airborne particles. New safety precautions have been introduced in the last 6 months including fogging before all flights. This thoroughly disinfects the aircraft using hydrogen peroxide cleaners. You will also be given a disinfectant wipe or hand sanitizer (on most airlines) to ensure your personal seating area is clean for the duration of your flight. Personally, I feel safer travelling on a plane than going to my local grocery store due to all the precautions that airlines (in Canada especially) are taking to stop the spread of COVID-19. I encourage you to research the safety precautions your preferred airline is taking during this time if you have any doubts!


2. The Canadian borders aren't actually closed


It is a current misconception that the borders are completely closed or that you can only travel outside of the country for certain purposes. Although this might be the case for select countries, in Canada we are currently able to travel to a large majority of places in the world. For example, the land borders to the United States are currently closed (as of November 2020) BUT there have always been flights in and out of the states during the whole pandemic. Canada is considered a low risk country, so when we enter many international countries we aren't even required to quarantine when we get there (but you must get tested for COVID-19 in many countries prior or upon arrival). If you would like to view the travel regulations for countries around the world, you can do so with the IATA virtual map.


3. You must wear a mask while in the airport/on the aircraft


It is currently mandatory to wear a mask while inside of an airport and while on any commercial aircraft. The mask must be covering your mouth and nose and may only be taken off while eating or drinking liquids. Some airlines do not permit masks with breathing valves so ensure you wear a medical or cloth mask while travelling. Note that you will need to pull the mask down while getting your ID checked when boarding.

4. You will need to pass a health questionnaire and temperature check

Before boarding any plane you will have to have your temperature taken either at security or directly before getting on the plane. You will also be asked questions like: Have you had a fever or cough in the last 24hrs? Have you had a fever or difficulty breathing in the last 24 hrs? Have you been refused boarding a plane due to a medical reason in the last 14 days? You must answer NO to all questions in order to be granted permission to board. These precautions help prevent anyone with COVID-19 from boarding any aircraft.


5. You will need to quarantine upon return to Canada (only if you are leaving the country)

As of October 2020, when leaving the country you must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival back into Canada, even if you have no symptoms of COVID. If you arrive back in the country and you DO have symptoms then you are required to isolate for 14 days. You can keep updated on rules and regulations at here. See below points 8 and 9 to determine if you are required to complete the hotel quarantine, if you are eligible to go straight to your home or if you are exempt from quarantine.


6. You may be eligible to skip out on quarantine with rapid testing (!!!program currently suspended until April 21st 2021!!!)

If you are a Canadian who is travelling out of the country, there is a possibility that you won't have to quarantine for 14 days if you participate in the rapid testing program. As of November 2nd, all people arriving on international flights at the Calgary Airport (YYC) can be tested upon arrival. This means you are only subject to quarantine until negative results are delivered (24-48hrs). After your first test you also have to get a second COVID swab at a participating pharmacy. This must be done 6-7 days after your first test to ensure you are still negative. Keep in mind though, if you test positive you will be required to abide by a strict 14 day isolation/quarantine. You can even participate in this pilot program if you live in other cities in Canada, just as long as you clear customs in YYC! This means Calgary has to be the first Canadian city that you stop in when you arrive in the country. This is amazing news for Canadians (Albertans especially). It foreshadows the future of travelling during COVID-19. For more details you can read info here.


7. You must provide a negative PCR test to return to Canada

As of January 7th, 2020 all air passengers must provide a negative Covid test before entering Canada from any international location. This test must be TAKEN within 72 hours of your first flight. Anyone who receives an authorized negative result will then be granted entry into Canada. So YES, this means that you have to get tested in destination in order to be allowed back in your own country. Tests that are accepted are: CRISPR, CT, detection of the E gene, detection of the N gene, detection of the ddPCR, isothermal amplification, LamPORE, NAAT, NAT, NGS, PCR, qPCR, RNA, RT-LAMP, RT-PCR, sequencing and WGS. Unlike the United States, rapid testing (antigen) is NOT eligible- if you show up for a flight with a rapid test you may be denied boarding, fined or escorted by authorities to a government facility upon arrival into Canada. The easiest way to book a test in destination is to ensure the testing location offers PCR tests and can deliver results within 48 hours (to be safe). These tests can cost anywhere from $100-$400CAD depending on the destination and the testing location of choice. There is also a list of persons who are exempt from the pre-arrival test that can be found here, including people with a resolved COVID infection, Canadians registered as an Indian under the "Indian Act" ,essential workers and many others. If you have questions on where to find eligible testing locations or other protocols during an anticipated or current trip, you can contact me at keana@travelgurus.ca.


8. You are required to quarantine in a government mandated hotel upon arrival into Canada


It is now your responsibility to ensure that you have a confirmed government-authorized hotel booking prior to boarding a flight coming to Canada. A fine of up to $3,000, may result if you don’t provide evidence of pre-paid accommodation at a government-authorized hotel prior to boarding. The Canadian website has listed a selection of eligible hotels that you can browse and book. When you enter Canada, your first point of entry must be in one of four eligible cities; Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal or Toronto. Upon arrival you will receive another Covid test (that may be at your own expense) and you must stay in the government mandated hotel until negative results are delivered. The expected time to receive these results is anywhere from 6-72hrs and you are not allowed to leave the hotel for any non emergency related reasons during this time. You are however, permitted to go outside for limited and monitored outdoor time if you do not have any symptoms; you can find ALL traveler expectations during your stay here.

All travelers will be supplied with necessities, including meals, telephone and Wi-Fi in a safe and accessible environment. Rules aside, the myths stating that hotels cost $2000CAD are FALSE. Quarantine hotels start at $300CAD per night for single occupancy and $399 per night for double occupancy. This rate differs depending on city, hotel and availability. You also MAY be required to pay for all 3 nights even if your receive results earlier.


Once you receive negative results you may leave your hotel and return home to complete the remainder of your quarantine. All travelers who receive a negative test will also leave the hotel with an at home testing kit that must be completed on day 10 of quarantine; you can then leave quarantine once you receive a negative result from this test. If you need to complete a final leg of flights to return to your place of residence, the airline or your travel agent can rebook your ticket free of charge.


9. You may be exempt from the hotel quarantine


Many individuals are eligible for an exemption from hotel quarantine and/or the 14 day quarantine including unaccompanied minors and those already exempt from the requirement to undergo post arrival testing. This list includes people who: provide essential services, are receiving medical care within 36 hours of entering Canada, maintain the flow of essential goods or people, regularly cross the border for work, or live in and integrated trans-border community. You can also be exempt for essential travel for reasons including if you: need medical treatments, are a cross border/health field student or if you are leaving/entering the country for a funeral or end of life visitation (and many more). A full list of reasons for exemption can be found here on the Canadian website. Note that if you are driving across the border you are automatically exempt from the hotel quarantine (but you still must provide a negative PCR test result at the border). Essential travel is still being allowed at this time, so please check canada.ca or contact 1-833-784-4397 if you have detailed questions.



WRAP UP!

At the end of the day, all I have to add to the facts is that I've never felt safer to travel. With the many precautions put in place to protect passengers it feels as though a new era of safer travel is among us. If you need to travel for essential reasons, I encourage you to do so within your country and even outside if you are able to safely respect the rules put in place to protect us. Travel is a huge part of many peoples lives and it is important for our mental health to be able to change up our scenery, discover new places, or even just take a break. I encourage you to start planning your next adventure NOW while prices are low as all of this will soon come to and end and WHEN IT DOES, prices are going to go up immensely! If you have any questions or would like some help planning your next adventure you can send me an email at keana@travelgurus.ca


"Life is short, the world is wide- I wanna make some memories"

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