Canada Extends COVID-19 Border Restrictions Until at Least Sept. 30

People wait in line to check in at Pearson International Airport in Toronto on May 12, 2022. The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette

The federal government says it will extend its existing COVID-19 restrictions for travellers entering Canada, including the use of its ArriveCAN app, until at least Sept. 30.

Random COVID-19 testing will continue to be paused at all airports until mid-July for fully vaccinated travellers, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced on June 29.

The pause on testing, which was introduced on June 11 and slated to end this month, was extended to allow airports to focus on streamlining their operations, the health agency said.

With the extension, PHAC said the Canadian government will move forward with its plans to relocate COVID-19 testing for air travellers outside of airports to test provider stores, pharmacies, or by virtual appointment.

Mandatory random testing will continue at land border points of entry with no changes, the agency added.

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated will continue to be tested on the first and eighth days of their mandatory 14-day quarantine unless exempted.

Meanwhile, all travellers are still mandated to submit their travel information within 72 hours before arrival in Canada through the ArriveCAN app, regardless of their vaccination status.