Canada-US Covid testing requirements

[Inga]

We are (fingers crossed) headed to Aulani in Feb. it is so odd to me that the Covid testing requirements are different for each country…..less stringent to get into the US even though we are going to one of the most conscientious states….

US entry requirements (as of Jan 5, 2022)

- travellers regardless of their vaccination status must have an original printed or electronic negative COVID-19 viral test result (NAAT: RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, TMA, NEAR, HDA, SDA, CRISPR, or Antigen: Rapid, Viral, Antigen Chromatographic Digital Immunoassay, Antigen Chemiluminescence Immunoassay, or Antigen Lateral Flow Fluorescence). The test must be taken a maximum of 1 day before the first scheduled departure time in the flight itinerary (if a flight is at 1 pm on a Friday, travellers could board with a COVID-19 negative test that was taken any time on the prior Thursday).

- Test results must include the traveller's full name and at least one other identifier such as date of birth or passport number. The test must also clearly state that the results are "negative," SARS-CoV-2 RNA not detected," SARS-CoV-2 antigen not detected," or "COVID-19 not detected." A test marked "invalid" is not acceptable.

- This requirement applies to all travellers, including US citizens, residents, and transit travellers.

Canada requirements(as of Jan 5 2022)

- Travellers must have a negative COVID-19 molecular test (PCR, RT-PCR, NAAT, RT-LAMP) result. The test must be taken a maximum of 72 hours before the scheduled departure of their last direct flight to Canada.
Travellers returning from short trips must take the test outside of Canada.

- Antigen tests are not accepted.

- Travellers arriving via land border must provide a test taken a maximum of 72 hours before arrival in Canada.

interesting, and confusing…

Wouldn’t you think we could agree on what tests and when between our two countries?

Also different rules if you arrive in Hawaii direct from Canada vs through another US state….

yeesh
Inga

 

[lovethesun12]

We are (fingers crossed) headed to Aulani in Feb. it is so odd to me that the Covid testing requirements are different for each country…..less stringent to get into the US even though we are going to one of the most conscientious states….

US entry requirements (as of Jan 5, 2022)

- travellers regardless of their vaccination status must have an original printed or electronic negative COVID-19 viral test result (NAAT: RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, TMA, NEAR, HDA, SDA, CRISPR, or Antigen: Rapid, Viral, Antigen Chromatographic Digital Immunoassay, Antigen Chemiluminescence Immunoassay, or Antigen Lateral Flow Fluorescence). The test must be taken a maximum of 1 day before the first scheduled departure time in the flight itinerary (if a flight is at 1 pm on a Friday, travellers could board with a COVID-19 negative test that was taken any time on the prior Thursday).

- Test results must include the traveller's full name and at least one other identifier such as date of birth or passport number. The test must also clearly state that the results are "negative," SARS-CoV-2 RNA not detected," SARS-CoV-2 antigen not detected," or "COVID-19 not detected." A test marked "invalid" is not acceptable.

- This requirement applies to all travellers, including US citizens, residents, and transit travellers.

Canada requirements(as of Jan 5 2022)

- Travellers must have a negative COVID-19 molecular test (PCR, RT-PCR, NAAT, RT-LAMP) result. The test must be taken a maximum of 72 hours before the scheduled departure of their last direct flight to Canada.
Travellers returning from short trips must take the test outside of Canada.

- Antigen tests are not accepted.

- Travellers arriving via land border must provide a test taken a maximum of 72 hours before arrival in Canada.

interesting, and confusing…

Wouldn’t you think we could agree on what tests and when between our two countries?

Also different rules if you arrive in Hawaii direct from Canada vs through another US state….

yeesh
Inga

I do find it confusing, as I'm trying to figure things out for a potential summer trip. I think they should agree, and I'd really like to know the reasoning behind the continued testing when it's running wild here now anyway? Not arguing the decision I just don't understand it. It made sense when there was a big difference in cases/%positivity/etc but that isn't there anymore.

I have always followed rules and suggestions and will continue to do so but it doesn't make sense to me that there's so much red tape involved in going to Florida when my family can catch it just as easily from school or the supermarket as they would there.

 

[Minniemoo15]

I do find it confusing, as I'm trying to figure things out for a potential summer trip. I think they should agree, and I'd really like to know the reasoning behind the continued testing when it's running wild here now anyway? Not arguing the decision I just don't understand it. It made sense when there was a big difference in cases/%positivity/etc but that isn't there anymore.

I have always followed rules and suggestions and will continue to do so but it doesn't make sense to me that there's so much red tape involved in going to Florida when my family can catch it just as easily from school or the supermarket as they would there.

I agree … an on arrival rapid test would make so much more sense, in light of our high case counts and current reliance on rapids for our domestic testing strategy.

I noticed the UK is doing away with pre departure tests for exactly that same reason. It gives me hope that maybe by March Canada will have done the same !

https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/business-59876063.amp