CoV Test if flying to Canada

[Natasha]

Guad news this a.m. showed several people being denied  boarding access to flight to Toronto because they did not have "within 72 hours" CoV negative documents in hand. Didn't catch but assume was Mexico City  since not aware of direct flights from here, but not sure. Some interviewed admitted they had been informed by airline of reg's in effect as of  Jan 7 but "didn't have time" to get it done.

Not important that all were Mexicans who apparently had come "home" for Christmas. These rules are universal, meant to protect Canadians at home, and ARE being strictly applied until further notice.  So be warned!

[Go Solar]

Must be a "standard" nasal swab type test, too, not a rapid test.    WestJet and Air Canada are facilitating tests if needed.....however....best not to find out at the check-in counter, get it done in advance, as they will have to re-book you and at least 1 day delay that way if you don't have the proper one in hand.

[Mostlylost]

There is more than one "nasal swab test" The requirement is a PCR test.  Everything I have read says any country requiring a test for entry requires a PCR test

[Bisbee Gal]

Yes it must be PCR.  Here is quote from government website, 

 

Quote

Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to the traveller’s scheduled departure to Canada.