Canada lifts random COVID-19 tests for international travellers

Canada has suspended its random COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated international travellers.

The suspension will remain in effect until June 30, which is when the current COVID restrictions are set to expire, unless they are renewed by the federal government.

Unvaccinated travellers still have to be tested, however starting July 1, all testing will be moved off site, rather than take place at the airport.

This change comes amid long lineups at airports in Canada, with many travellers expressing their frustrations with the delays in recent months as travel rebounds following a pandemic hiatus.

I've learned the federal government is set to temporarily suspend random COVID testing at all airports. It begins tomorrow and goes until June 30.
Listen to @CityNewsTO for the latest

— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) June 10, 2022

“The Government of Canada recognizes the impact that significant wait times at some Canadian airports are having on travellers. We continue to work with airports, airlines, baggage handlers, and other partners to implement solutions to reduce delays as we approach the summer peak season,” the federal government said in a statement.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has hired over 850 new screening agents in recent weeks to help deal with delays and get passengers to their gates faster.

Conservatives had been calling for an end to COVID restrictions and criticizing the government for not anticipating the spike in travellers.

Meanwhile, the U.S. announced Friday that COVID-19 testing for air travellers entering that country will be lifted as of Sunday.

That move eases one of the last remaining government mandates in that country meant to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Vancouver’s Khalid Mannan drove to Bellingham, U.S. to fly to Las Vegas for the weekend. It was his first flight south in two years. He told CityNews not having to drive into the U.S. in the future to avoid the test would be great.

“Certainly, we’ll travel more frequently, it’d be easier to come into the U.S. … You could just pack your bags and come — how it used to be about two years ago,” he said.

Experts note the change could lead to increased demand for travel and therefore higher flight and hotel prices.

Related articles:

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• Pearson travellers waiting hours to deboard plane, greeted with long lines at customs

Canada dropped its pre-entry testing requirement for international air travellers as of April 1.

While pre-entry testing requirements for people who’ve received a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine have been dropped, travellers could still be randomly tested when they arrive.

All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are also still required to continue using the ArriveCAN app and are being reminded that Health Canada still requires anyone coming into this country from abroad to wear a mask in public for 14 days.

With files from Hana Mae Nassar and Liza Yuzda