U.S. to require international travellers to take a COVID test within 24 hours of departure

Shelby Thevenot
Published: December 2, 2021

Travellers to the U.S. will soon need a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of departure.

U.S. President Joe Biden made the anticipated announcement on December 2 amid growing concerns around the new Omicron variant.

The new rules will take effect early next week, according to a White House briefing. All U.S.-bound international travellers will need to take a test within one day of their departure, regardless of nationality or vaccination status. Unvaccinated travellers are not allowed to enter the U.S., with limited exceptions.

Discover if You’re Eligible for Canadian Immigration

The U.S. announcement comes just days after Canada announced that U.S. travellers were exempt from the new travel measures. Currently, fully vaccinated air travellers from all countries except the U.S. must get tested upon arrival at a Canadian airport. They will need to go into quarantine until their test comes back negative.

Canada’s health minister, Jean-Yves Duclos, said the government would meet with the provinces to discuss measures with the U.S. So far, there have been no further developments made public since November 30.

Travellers must now be fully vaccinated in order to board a plane or train in Canada.

Canada’s travel restrictions

Following the discovery of the Omicron variant, Canada has restricted travel from the following 10 countries:

  • Botswana
  • Egypt;
  • Eswatini;
  • Lesotho;
  • Malawi;
  • Mozambique;
  • Namibia;
  • Nigeria;
  • South Africa; and
  • Zimbabwe.

Foreign nationals who have been to these countries within the past two weeks are forbidden from entering Canada. Fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents that have been in any of these countries over the same timeframe will need a negative PCR test taken in a third country. They will be tested again upon arrival and must go into quarantine for 14 days and complete a test on day 8.

Those coming by air will go to a designated quarantine facility while they wait for their arrival test results. They can leave once their test results come back negative.

Those arriving by land may be allowed to go directly to the quarantine location named on their quarantine plan. If they do not have a suitable quarantine plan, they will be sent to a designated quarantine facility.

Discover if You’re Eligible for Canadian Immigration

© CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Newcomers who came to Canada in second year of COVID-19 pandemic had better median entry wages than pre-pandemic: Statistics Canada
Young happy executive manager holding business meeting with her coworkers in the office and looking at camera
Here is the Yeates immigration report shaping the future of IRCC
How do people in Canada spend their money?
A man grabs two fistfuls of cash. Canadians in 2021 spent the most money on shelter.
Canada’s immigration department is undergoing major changes
Top Stories
How to prepare for your Canadian citizenship test
Useful Tips to Save Money for Newcomers in Canada
Five things newcomers can do to succeed in the Canadian job market, according to a new report
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Work
Five things newcomers can do to succeed in the Canadian job market, according to a new report
Four people sit on chairs while waiting to be interviewed
Can I get Ontario health coverage on a work permit?
A doctor examines a patient who likely is on his work permit in Ontario.
These industries have the highest retention rates for work permit holders who become permanent residents
A hand holding a briefcase
Work permit options for international student graduates no longer eligible for PGWPs
International student graduates no longer eligible for PGWPs have other work permit options.
Link copied to clipboard