OTTAWA — The federal government has announced it will extend current border measures for travellers entering (or returning to) Canada.

Requirements for travellers arriving to Canada are expected to remain in effect until at least September 30, 2022.

The pause of mandatory random testing will continue at all airports until mid-July, for travellers who qualify as fully vaccinated. The suspension first went into effect June 11, 2022, with an eye to helping ease operations at overrun airports.

Meanwhile the federal government is moving forward with its planned shift of COVID-19 testing for air travellers outside of airports to select test provider stores, pharmacies, or by virtual appointment.

Mandatory random testing continues at land border points of entry, with no changes. Travellers who do not qualify as fully vaccinated, unless exempt, will continue to test on Day 1 and Day 8 of their 14-day quarantine.

The government says moving testing outside of airports will allow Canada to adjust to increased traveller volumes while still being able to monitor and quickly respond to new variants of concern, or changes to the epidemiological situation.

All travellers must continue to use the ArriveCAN (eg. the free mobile app, or the website) to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours before their arrival in Canada, and/or before boarding a cruise ship destined for Canada, with few exceptions. Additional efforts are being undertaken to enhance compliance with ArriveCAN, which is already over 95% for travellers arriving by land and air combined.

“As we have said all along, Canada’s border measures will remain flexible and adaptable, guided by science and prudence,” said Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra added: “Our government’s commitment will always be to protect passengers, employees, and their communities from the impacts of COVID-19, while keeping our transportation system strong, efficient, and resilient for the long-term.”