What has changed at customs since the reopening of the land border?
Almost nothing. The wait when we passed through the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle post, on the Friday morning following the reopening of the land border (last November 12), was less than 15 minutes. The United States does not require proof of a negative COVID-19 test to cross the land border, unlike the air border. It is therefore sufficient to present your two passports (travel and vaccine) to enter our neighbors to the south by car.
Is it the same process if we travel by plane or by car?
On the way there, no. On the way back, yes. To travel to the United States by plane, you must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test carried out no later than 72 hours before entering the country, in addition to the vaccination passport. However, the outbound test is not required when traveling by car. But whether you travel by plane or by car, the process remains the same when you return to Canada. You must present proof of a negative molecular test (PCR), carried out no later than 72 hours before return (except for short stays, see next question) and your vaccination passport, without forgetting to download and enter your information in the ‘ArriveCAN application. It is in fact for this reason that the passage through customs is much longer on the return than on the outward journey, especially by land. If the ArriveCAN form is not completed first, the customs officer will do it for you, but the process will take much longer. We counted 10 minutes at the border crossing for each car, and none of the travelers seemed aware of the requirement to fill out this form. And it doesn’t matter whether you arrive in Canada by plane or car, you can still be selected to undergo a mandatory random arrival test. Be warned!
What is the new rule for short stays abroad?
On November 19, the Government of Canada announced that proof of a negative COVID-19 test will no longer be required for stays abroad of less than 72 hours. The new measure will come into effect on November 30. Beyond 72 hours, the same measures stated above remain.
PHOTO LINDSAY DEDARIO, REUTERS ARCHIVES
It is possible to get a PCR test for free in several US states.
Where can I do my PCR test once in the United States?
Take the example of New York, which has been extremely well organized since the tourist recovery, and more particularly for the return of Canadians. Mobile clinics are set up all over the city and offer on-site, walk-in testing – and yes, it’s free, US citizen or not! Just find the nearest mobile clinic and get there. On site, to carry out the test, the passport is not required nor the health insurance card; all you have to do is fill out the form, enter your contact details, and you’re done. The result is then sent to you within 48 hours, guaranteed, by email or text. However, it only took us 24 hours to receive our results. Good to know: several American states also offer the service of free tests for all, as part of the “Community-Based Testing” program set up by the American government to allow any individual to be tested for COVID-19. Travelers who prefer it can also find a private clinic, where the result is often guaranteed within 24 hours.
Will the test result performed free of charge in the United States be accepted by Canadian customs officials?
Yes. Compared to the tests offered free of charge in the Quebec health network (in Quebec, anyone wishing to obtain a screening in anticipation of a trip must go to a private laboratory), the test results, whether they have been carried out in the private sector or to the public in the United States, are accepted by Canadian customs officials. In Quebec, the government does not offer the service to travelers. In addition, tests carried out in the public system do not meet the requirements for travel. Proof of negative test must contain the following information: full name, date and time of collection, test result and name of clinic.
What happens if you test positive for COVID-19? Can you extend your stay and postpone your return?
The rules vary depending on the state visited, but in the case of New York, the government takes charge of the traveler upon receipt of a positive result and arranges for the transfer, free of charge, to accredited accommodation until such time. that the traveler has a negative test result and can return home. Airlines have also changed their policies since the tourist recovery and ticket changes are becoming easier and easier to make. We still recommend that you check before purchasing your plane ticket. And, also, before leaving, check if you are covered by your insurance in case of medical emergency at destination.