Ruth Haines
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries implemented restrictions on international travel. However, it was still possible to transit through Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada, one of four airports accepting international travellers for transit. Transiting passengers were generally not permitted to enter the country or stay overnight in a hotel, but in some cases, the CBSA allowed travellers to quarantine in a hotel room at their own cost. Any travellers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms were not permitted to board any flight by a Canadian airline. Transiting passengers were required to wear masks and could be subject to random COVID-19 tests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transit through Toronto airport during COVID | Permitted |
| Transit visa required | Yes, depending on citizenship |
| COVID test required | No, unless random testing is conducted |
| Quarantine required | No, unless overnight stay is required |
| ArriveCAN app required | Yes |
| Face masks required | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- Transit through Toronto airport is allowed for passengers connecting flights
- Travellers transiting through Toronto airport are exempt from COVID-related restrictions
- A negative COVID test is not required for transit passengers
- Random COVID testing is conducted on international arrivals at Toronto airport
- Transit passengers can stay overnight in the airport's transit area
Transit through Toronto airport is allowed for passengers connecting flights
Firstly, it is important to note that the COVID-related restrictions on who is barred from entering Canada do not apply in the same way to transit passengers who are only connecting through a Canadian airport without entering the country. This means that as long as passengers remain within the airport and do not officially enter Canada, they are allowed to transit through Toronto Airport to connect their flights.
Passengers transiting through Toronto Airport should be prepared to follow certain procedures. They will be escorted from their arriving flight to Canadian Customs and then to the departure area for their next flight. It is mandatory for all travellers in Canadian airports to wear a non-medical mask or face covering at all times. These may be provided upon arrival. If a passenger is exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms, they will not be allowed to board any flight by a Canadian airline, regardless of their itinerary or destination.
In addition, passengers transiting through Toronto Airport must complete the ArriveCAN process, which includes an attestation that they have not had COVID-19 in the previous 10 days and are asymptomatic. Lying on this form can result in a $5000 fine. Passengers may also be subject to random COVID-19 testing on arrival in Toronto, although this will not affect any onward travel.
For passengers with an overnight connection, it is important to note that they may be allowed to clear Customs and spend the night in a designated quarantine hotel near the airport, at their own cost. Alternatively, they can stay in the transit area of the airport. However, most restaurants and services in these areas are not open 24 hours a day, so it is advisable to plan ahead.
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Travellers transiting through Toronto airport are exempt from COVID-related restrictions
Firstly, it is important to note that this exemption only applies if you remain within the airport. If you are leaving the airport and entering Canada, you will be subject to the regular COVID-related restrictions. This includes the requirement to have a valid visa or Electronic Travel Authorization, as well as providing proof that you have not had COVID in the previous 10 days and are asymptomatic. Lying on this official Federal document could result in a $5000 fine.
Secondly, while transiting through Toronto, you will be required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering at all times. Masks may be provided upon your arrival. Additionally, if you are exhibiting any COVID symptoms, you will not be allowed to board your flight.
Thirdly, if your connection is overnight, you may be allowed to stay in the International or trans-border wings of the airport. However, most restaurants and services in these areas are not open 24 hours a day, so it is important to plan ahead. In some cases, Canada Border Services may allow you to clear Customs and quarantine in a designated hotel near the airport, but this is at their discretion and subject to the traveller having valid documentation.
Finally, it is worth noting that transiting through multiple Canadian airports is generally not allowed. For example, you can transit through Seattle to Vancouver to Seoul, but not through New York to Toronto to Vancouver to Seoul.
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A negative COVID test is not required for transit passengers
Toronto Pearson Airport is one of four Canadian airports that accept international travellers who need to transit. The other three airports are in Vancouver, Calgary, and Montréal.
Passengers transiting through Toronto Pearson Airport are exempt from COVID-related restrictions on who is barred from entering Canada. This means that a negative COVID test is not required for transit passengers. However, travellers must wear a non-medical mask or face covering at all times while in the airport and on Canadian aircraft.
If you are exhibiting any COVID symptoms, you will not be allowed to board any flight by a Canadian airline, regardless of your itinerary or destination. In addition, if you are transiting through Toronto Pearson Airport, you must remain in a sterile transit area and cannot leave the airport. If your connection goes overnight, you can stay in the International or trans-border wings of the airport. However, most restaurants and services in these areas are not open 24 hours a day, so it is recommended that you plan ahead to avoid any inconvenience.
It is important to note that while a negative COVID test is not required for transit passengers, random COVID testing may still occur upon arrival in Toronto. As such, it is advised that you download and complete the ArriveCan app before arriving in Canada, as this is mandatory for all travellers. The ArriveCan app includes an attestation that you have not had COVID in the previous 10 days and are asymptomatic. Lying on this form can result in a $5000 fine.
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Random COVID testing is conducted on international arrivals at Toronto airport
As of July 19, 2022, the Canadian government has resumed mandatory random COVID-19 testing for international arrivals entering by air, including Toronto Pearson International Airport. This means that even if you are transiting through Toronto to another country, you may be subject to a random COVID test upon arrival.
The government had previously paused mandatory testing on June 11, 2022, as part of a strategy to transition testing for air travelers outside of airports. However, with the resumption of mandatory random testing, travelers who qualify as fully vaccinated and those who do not qualify may be selected for testing.
Fully vaccinated travelers are those who have received a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days before entering Canada. If you are selected for testing, you will receive an email notification within 15 minutes of completing your customs declaration, which will provide information on arranging your test. Testing can be completed outside of airports through in-person or virtual appointments with select testing providers or pharmacies.
In addition to potential random testing, all travelers must complete the mandatory ArriveCAN process, which includes an attestation that you have not had COVID-19 in the previous 10 days and are asymptomatic. Lying on this attestation and being caught can result in a $5000 fine.
It is important to note that transiting through Toronto, or any of the other three Canadian airports accepting international flights (Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal), is permitted during COVID-19. However, if you need to stay overnight before your next flight, you are expected to self-quarantine in a hotel room, having food and medicine delivered, and returning to the airport alone the next day.
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Transit passengers can stay overnight in the airport's transit area
Toronto Pearson International Airport does allow transit passengers to stay overnight, although it may not be the most comfortable option. The airport provides designated areas where travellers can sleep, including benches, reclining chairs, and sleep pods. However, the airport can be noisy and crowded, and passengers are expected to follow the airport's rules and regulations, including maintaining a respectful and quiet environment. It is also recommended to keep your personal belongings with you at all times and to be cautious of your surroundings.
If you plan to stay overnight at Toronto Airport, it is important to plan ahead. Make sure you have a comfortable place to sleep and bring essential items such as a blanket and pillow. Remember, the airport can be quite chilly at night, so dress warmly. Research transportation options in advance, as not all areas of the airport may be accessible after hours. Some lounges or areas may close overnight, so it is important to be aware of the available options.
There are several transportation options available to get to nearby hotels, including taxi or ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. These options can be expensive, especially during peak hours or if your hotel is located far from the airport. A more affordable alternative is to take public transportation, such as buses and trains, which can also allow you to experience the city's transit system.
While staying overnight at Toronto Airport is allowed, it is important to be aware of some guidelines and restrictions. Only domestic passengers who have cleared security screening will be permitted access to the designated sleeping areas. International passengers in transit or arriving at the airport without going through security clearance will not have access to these areas.
In addition, when staying overnight at an airport, being proactive about safety and security is vital. Toronto Pearson International Airport offers various nearby hotels and lounges for travellers seeking overnight accommodations. It is recommended to check with airport authorities or respective airlines for specific circumstances or exceptions. Many hotels near the airport provide shuttle services and offer special rates for layover passengers, providing more comfort and maximizing safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most foreign travellers can transit through Toronto Airport during COVID. However, you will need to follow the COVID guidelines and restrictions.
Transiting passengers are required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering at all times. They are also advised to download and complete the ArriveCAN app and have a negative PCR test result, although this is not mandatory.
No, transiting passengers are not allowed to leave the airport during their layover. If your connection goes overnight, you can stay in the International or trans-border wings of the airport.
No, you cannot transit through multiple Canadian airports.
