Montreal Airport: Covid Testing Availability And Accessibility

Montreal Airport, officially known as Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, offers rapid COVID-19 testing for travellers. The testing program was launched in December 2020 and is available for a fee. The airport recommends that travellers book an appointment at least four hours before boarding their flight. The tests are carried out by the Biron Health Group Inc. in the Biron screening clinic, located on the mezzanine level of the departures to the United States. While rapid tests are convenient for pre-flight testing, they are less accurate than PCR tests and carry a higher risk of false-negative results.

Rapid COVID-19 tests are available at Montreal Airport

If you're in a hurry and need to get a COVID-19 test at the last minute, you can get a rapid test at Montreal Airport. However, it is an expensive option. To ensure you can get a test before your flight, it is recommended that you reserve a spot by booking an appointment on the Biron website at least four hours before you board. When booking, you will need to select whether you want a Rapid RT-PCR or a Rapid Antigenic test. The former costs $299, and you'll get your results in approximately an hour. The latter is cheaper and faster—they cost $149, and results are available in about 25 minutes.

The testing area is located on the mezzanine level of the departures to the United States, before pre-boarding screening, near door 11. Travellers must follow the signs at the terminal entrances to access the testing area. Biron also offers screening tests with results in 24 or 48 hours. A PCR test with a 24-hour result window costs $199, and an antigenic test with the same timeframe costs $99. If you choose the 48-hour option, both tests cost $149.

It is important to note that the type of test and sampling method must be approved by your destination country and any countries where you have a layover. The result period must also be suitable for the requirements of your destination country, which is generally between 24 to 72 hours.

Montreal Airport also conducts random COVID-19 testing for arriving passengers. However, the airport does not have the space to test everyone, and there have been calls for most incoming passengers to use at-home tests instead.

Testing costs and types

Montreal Airport offers rapid COVID-19 tests for travellers who need last-minute testing. Testing costs vary depending on the type of test and the urgency of the results. It is recommended to reserve a spot by booking an appointment on Biron's website at least four hours before boarding.

The Rapid RT-PCR test costs $299, with results available in approximately one hour. The Rapid Antigen test is faster and cheaper, costing $149 with results available in about 25 minutes. This test is required for entry into the United States. Biron also offers screening tests with longer wait times for results. A PCR test with a 24-hour result window costs $199, while a 48-hour result costs $149. An antigenic test with a 24-hour result costs $99.

It is important to note that the testing requirements and approved test types may vary depending on the destination country and any layover countries. Travellers are advised to validate the travel requirements and ensure that the test and sampling method are approved by the relevant authorities. The timing of the test is also crucial, as some countries require tests to be taken within a specific timeframe before departure, such as 24 hours or 72 hours.

In addition to pre-departure testing, some countries, like Canada, may require all air travellers to undergo testing upon arrival, regardless of their vaccination status. However, there have been challenges in implementing this due to space constraints at airports like Montreal's Trudeau Airport. As a result, alternative arrangements, such as at-home tests, have been suggested to facilitate testing for a large number of incoming passengers.

Random testing on arrival

Montreal's Trudeau Airport does offer rapid COVID-19 tests for travellers, but it is not mandatory for all travellers. The airport also does not have the capacity to test all incoming passengers. As a result, random testing is conducted upon arrival for a limited number of travellers.

The rapid antigen tests used at Montreal Airport can deliver results in as little as 15 to 25 minutes, making them ideal for pre-flight testing. However, these tests are less accurate than PCR tests and carry a higher risk of false-negative results. The rapid antigen tests are also more expensive, costing $149, while the slower PCR tests cost $199 for results in 24 hours and $149 for results in 48 hours.

For travellers who do not want to risk the uncertainty of random testing on arrival, it is advisable to get tested before their flight. Planning ahead can also help save money, as the rapid tests at the airport are quite costly. Additionally, travellers should be prepared for higher costs and more pre-flight procedures due to the challenges of safe travel during the pandemic.

Testing before flying to Montreal

If you are planning to fly to Montreal, it is important to be aware of the COVID-19 testing requirements and options. While the specific rules may vary depending on your country of origin and vaccination status, here is some key information to consider:

Testing Requirements for Entry into Canada

As of October 1, 2022, Canada has specific entry requirements for travellers, which may include providing proof of a valid COVID-19 test. It is recommended to check the latest government advice for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, all international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended as it is the most universally accepted form of identification.

Testing at Montreal Airport

Montreal Airport (YUL) offers rapid COVID-19 testing for travellers who need last-minute testing before their flight. The testing centre is located near Door 4 in the departures area, between the domestic and U.S. trans-border gates. It is advised to reserve your spot by booking an appointment on the Biron website at least four hours before boarding. The cost of a rapid RT-PCR test is $299, with results available in approximately one hour. A rapid antigenic test is cheaper at $149, and results are provided in about 25 minutes. Biron also offers screening tests with longer result times (24 or 48 hours) at a lower cost.

Reducing Risk and Alternative Testing Options

To reduce the risk of any issues during your travel, it is recommended to get a quick test before your departure. Some travellers have expressed concerns about random COVID-19 testing at the airport, as these rapid tests may not be very precise. Additionally, there may be challenges in finding a travel COVID-19 test in Canada, so planning ahead and securing an appointment beforehand is advised. Alternative testing options include drive-through and walk-in sites across Montreal, such as Go Test Rapide, which conducts a high volume of daily tests.

Testing for travellers entering Canada

As of December 2021, Canada requires all air travellers to get tested for COVID-19 upon arrival, except for those arriving from the United States. This rule applies to all travellers, including those who are fully vaccinated. However, there has been some confusion and concern over the lack of clarity regarding the testing procedures and when they will begin.

Montreal's Trudeau Airport does offer COVID-19 testing for travellers. Rapid RT-PCR tests cost $299, with results available in approximately one hour. Rapid antigenic tests are cheaper at $149, and results are available in about 25 minutes. Biron Health Group Inc. conducts the tests at the airport, and they also offer screening tests with results available in 24 or 48 hours. It is important to note that the rapid antigen tests have been associated with a higher risk of false-negative results compared to PCR tests.

To ensure access to COVID-19 testing before your flight, it is recommended to reserve a spot by booking an appointment at least four hours before boarding. When booking, travellers must select the type of test required, ensuring it is approved by the destination country and meets the required result period, which is generally between 24 to 72 hours.

Travellers should be prepared for higher costs and additional pre-flight procedures due to the challenges of safe travel during the pandemic. It is also advised to stay updated with the latest travel rules and restrictions, as they can change without notice.

Frequently asked questions