Testing Requirements for Trip

[mshanson3121]

Since the land border is opening, we are planning a trip to New Hampshire on DHs Christmas break. We are considering two scenarios, depending on testing requirements (whichever is easier):

1. Leave Saturday AM and be home by Monday evening. So less than 72 hours. So we would have to get a PCR test done in Canada correct? When would we need it? Does it have to be at least 72(+) hours, or within 72(-) hours? Where do we get it done (we're in NB).

2. Leave Saturday AM and stay till Tuesday. So, over 72 hours. So then we have to get the testing done in the US correct? So same question: when do we have to get the testing done and how do we arrange it?

Also, a couple random questions:

- have we heard for sure yet if unvaccinated children (under 12) will be allowed to travel without quarantine, with their fully vaccinated parents?

- do we think there's any chance Canada will drop the testing requirements?

 

[damo]

Since the land border is opening, we are planning a trip to New Hampshire on DHs Christmas break. We are considering two scenarios, depending on testing requirements (whichever is easier):

1. Leave Saturday AM and be home by Monday evening. So less than 72 hours. So we would have to get a PCR test done in Canada correct? When would we need it? Does it have to be at least 72(+) hours, or within 72(-) hours? Where do we get it done (we're in NB).

2. Leave Saturday AM and stay till Tuesday. So, over 72 hours. So then we have to get the testing done in the US correct? So same question: when do we have to get the testing done and how do we arrange it?

Also, a couple random questions:

- have we heard for sure yet if unvaccinated children (under 12) will be allowed to travel without quarantine, with their fully vaccinated parents?

- do we think there's any chance Canada will drop the testing requirements?

1. Test needs to be within 72 hours of departure from the USA. There are Walmarts and Costcos and private drug stores that do it.

2. You can schedule at a participating Walgreens. You need the ID Now NAAT test which is a rapid test. Again, it needs to be done within 72 hours of departing the US.

3. Each province is different with their quarantine requirements.

4. It would be great if testing was dropped but it doesn't sound like it.

 

[mshanson3121]

1. Test needs to be within 72 hours of departure from the USA. There are Walmarts and Costcos and private drug stores that do it.

2. You can schedule at a participating Walgreens. You need the ID Now NAAT test which is a rapid test.

3. Each province is different with their quarantine requirements.

4. It would be great if testing was dropped but it doesn't sound like it.

Okay, so if we are planning to cross the border (land) around 5:00 pm Monday, we would need to take the test no later than 5:00 pm Friday, or no earlier than 5:00 pm Friday?

As for unvaccinated children, I just meant will our daughter (11, unvaccinated) even be allowed to enter the US? The rest of us (myself, DH and DS) are all fully vaccinated.

 

[SirDuff]

Okay, so if we are planning to cross the border (land) around 5:00 pm Monday, we would need to take the test no later than 5:00 pm Friday, or no earlier than 5:00 pm Friday?

No EARLIER than. It has to be withing 72 hours of the time that you are crossing.

 

[mshanson3121]

No EARLIER than. It has to be withing 72 hours of the time that you are crossing.

Perfect, thank you. So we could get it done the same day we leave to come home?

 

[damo]

Okay, so if we are planning to cross the border (land) around 5:00 pm Monday, we would need to take the test no later than 5:00 pm Friday, or no earlier than 5:00 pm Friday?

As for unvaccinated children, I just meant will our daughter (11, unvaccinated) even be allowed to enter the US? The rest of us (myself, DH and DS) are all fully vaccinated.

Unvaccinated children under 12 are able to cross from the USA to Canada. I assume the reverse will be the same.

 

[mshanson3121]

Unvaccinated children under 12 are able to cross from the USA to Canada. I assume the reverse will be the same.

 

[Minniemoo15]

In NB you can get a private test at the Fredericton, Moncton or Saint John airports. They can be $$$ and hours fluctuate so book early. You may be able to get a free one through public health as well (my husband has for work travel) but it is very unreliable in terms of getting results back quickly as I am sure you are aware.

Children under 12 traveling with vaccinated adults do not need to quarantine on return to Canada but they do need to limit contact with others (no school, daycare etc). I imagine this rule will change once vaccines are approved for children.

 

[Jo-Anne]

sounds like the cheaper way is to go to US for 72 hours or less (no testing required to cross) and when you get to US, find the Walgreens that offers the ID NOW NAAT test at no charge - results I hear back within < 24 hours.

 

[Katiebird]

Perfect, thank you. So we could get it done the same day we leave to come home?

You can, but you need to be make sure you’ll actually get the results back in time, too. Times may vary between locations.

 

[mshanson3121]

So the "rapid" PCR/NAAT tests, are they the brain poke or the nasal/throat swab?

 

[damo]

So the "rapid" PCR/NAAT tests, are they the brain poke or the nasal/throat swab?

Nasal swab.

 

[mshanson3121]

Nasal swab.

Good. Not sure we can get our daughter to do the deep swab.