Traveling to Canada from the US during the Pandemic

Currently, the Canadian border is closed to the US through July 21st 2021.  In order to travel to Canada, you must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, an immediate family member, or an extended family member of an ailing/recently deceased citizen.

I don’t fit into any of these categories, so you’re probably wondering how I was permitted to travel to Canada.  The short answer is work.  While I’m not a healthcare worker, I am deemed an essential employee.  I am a Field Applications Scientist for a Biotechnology company and I train scientists on conducting molecular tests.  I have been traveling throughout the pandemic to train laboratories on Covid-19 PCR testing. My recent trip to Toronto was for this purpose.

I had not traveled to Canada for work since December 2019. Traveling to Canada during the pandemic (yes, during because it’s not over) was challenging, so I want to share a few travel tips for others that are planning to travel from the US to Canada.

Tips for entry into Canada:

1.       Plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours early if you’re traveling from a major airport.

I was traveling from Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, which was recently bumped out of first place as the busiest airport in the world.  Since I was traveling internationally, I had to check-in at the ticket counter versus online like I typically do.  Due to the recent surge in travel, the ticketing line was very long.

2.       In addition to your passport, you will need a negative Covid-19 PCR test administered within 72 hours of travel.

I took the test on Sunday at Walgreen’s before traveling on Tuesday.  The results were emailed to me on Monday.  I chose Walgreen’s because they are an approved Covid-19 travel testing site.  I had a Covid-19 test performed at Walgreen’s prior to traveling to Honolulu in April after learning that other travelers had been turned away after being tested at Emory University, the most reputable hospital in Atlanta. If you have a connection, be prepared to show your negative Covid-19 test results again prior to boarding the next flight.

3.       Download the ArriveCan App.

I failed to do this prior to arriving at the airport and was made to stand aside and complete my ArriveCan registration after waiting in the ticketing line for nearly an hour.  This faux pas almost caused me to miss my flight. In the ArriveCan App, you will need to enter your travel information, lodging in Canada, and complete a health questionnaire.  

4.       If traveling for work, ask the institution you’re visiting to prepare an invitation letter*.

I failed to do this also.  Rookie mistake! I had a domestic connection and wasn’t asked to show a letter prior to boarding in Atlanta.  When I arrived at the gate for my connection, I was asked to show my passport, negative Covid-19 test (I had to point out where it said PCR), and invitation letter prior to being cleared to board.  Boarding was slated to begin in 15 minutes.  I frantically reached out to the laboratory where I would be working, and fortunately they were able to produce a letter promptly.

*Customs did not ask for this letter when I arrived in Canada, but it’s good to have just in case.  They only asked for my passport, negative Covid-19 test, and the reason for my visit. 

What to expect when you arrive:

1.       The Toronto airport was virtually empty other than the people that worked there.

There were airport employees at various checkpoints throughout the airport to point passengers in the right direction.

2.       You will have to check-in on ArriveCan daily.

The check-ins consist of asking if you or anyone you’re traveling with is exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms.

Leaving Canada:

1.       You will be required to have a negative Covid-19 test before leaving Canada. 

There is testing available at the airport. You can schedule an appointment for the same day you’re flying out.  Test results are available up to 1.5 hours after the test is administered, so factor this into your planned airport arrival time.

2.       You will have to undergo a temperature screen by the Canadian TSA.

No big deal.  Leaving was definitely easier than getting there.