Ottawa Airport: Covid Testing Availability And Accessibility

As of July 2022, the Ottawa airport has resumed mandatory random COVID-19 testing for vaccinated travellers arriving at the airport. This testing is conducted off-site, outside the airport, to reduce congestion and improve the travel experience. Previously, in June 2022, Ottawa had temporarily paused random COVID-19 testing for vaccinated travellers, which was welcomed by many Canadian airports as it reduced delays and prolonged wait times. However, unvaccinated travellers are still required to undergo testing, either virtually or in-person with a test provider or pharmacy, and respect their quarantine requirements.

COVID-19 testing at Ottawa airport was paused in June 2022

On June 11, 2022, Ottawa announced that it would temporarily pause random COVID-19 testing for vaccinated travellers entering Canada by air. The pause in testing was implemented to provide relief to Canadians who had endured delays and prolonged wait times at airports. The decision was also influenced by the U.S. lifting its testing requirements for international tourists. From June 11 to June 30, random testing at all airports was temporarily suspended, while unvaccinated travellers were still required to undergo on-site testing.

During this period, the federal government faced criticism from tourism and air travel industry groups regarding the public health restrictions contributing to the chaos at Canadian airports. Despite the challenges, the pause in testing was intended to improve the airport experience for travellers and reduce processing times during the busy summer travel season.

As of July 1, 2022, the government announced that all testing, including for unvaccinated travellers, would be conducted off-site. This decision was made to streamline testing processes outside airports and prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The resumption of mandatory random testing at four major airports in Canada, including Toronto's Pearson airport, was met with mixed reactions from travellers. While some supported the measure, others questioned its necessity, especially after having already travelled a long distance.

The federal government emphasized that the resumption of testing outside airports would aid in detecting new variants entering Canada and ensuring the safety and reliability of the transportation system. The random testing at border points of entry remained mandatory for all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status.

Random testing at Ottawa airport resumed in July 2022

The Canadian government temporarily paused random COVID-19 testing for vaccinated travellers entering Canada by air in June 2022. The pause was implemented to reduce congestion and long wait times at airports, which had been causing significant passenger delays and flight cancellations. The government also wanted to move the testing process outside of the airports.

However, random testing at Ottawa airport resumed in July 2022. The government stated that moving testing outside of airports would support testing for travellers while still being able to monitor and quickly respond to new variants. The resumption of testing would help detect new variants entering Canada.

The mandatory random testing continues at land border points of entry, with no changes. Vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers who are selected for mandatory random testing will receive an email notification within 15 minutes of completing their customs declaration. The email will contain information to help them arrange for their test with a testing provider in their region. Unvaccinated travellers can complete their tests by a virtual appointment or an in-person appointment with the test provider at their store or select pharmacies.

If a traveller tests positive, they must isolate for 10 days, regardless of the rules in their province.

Testing takes place off-site at locations outside the airport

The government stated that moving testing outside of airports would support testing for travellers arriving by air while still being able to monitor and quickly respond to new variants of concern. Travellers who are selected for mandatory random testing will receive an email notification within 15 minutes of completing their customs declaration. This email will contain information to help them arrange for their test with a testing provider in their region. Unvaccinated travellers can complete their tests by a virtual appointment or an in-person appointment with the test provider at their store or at select pharmacies.

If you are selected for a random test when you come into Canada from the United States across the land border, the agents should be able to provide you with all the necessary instructions. If you test negative and are feeling well, you do not need to quarantine. However, if you test negative but develop COVID-19 symptoms, you will need to isolate for 10 days and report your result to the Public Health Agency of Canada. If you test positive, you must also isolate for 10 days, regardless of the rules in your province.

Testing is mandatory for unvaccinated travellers

The decision to pause random COVID-19 testing for vaccinated travellers at Canadian airports was made to alleviate delays and prolonged wait times experienced by travellers. This move was welcomed by many Canadian airports and was expected to reduce processing times during the busy summer travel season. The federal government faced criticism from tourism and air travel industry groups regarding the public health restrictions contributing to the chaos at Canadian airports.

Despite the pause in random testing at airports, the Government of Canada resumed mandatory random testing as of July 19, 2022, for fully vaccinated passengers arriving at the country's four major airports: YVR, YYC, YUL, and YYZ. This decision was made to streamline testing processes outside airports and prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The government emphasized its commitment to protecting travellers, employees, and the safety and reliability of the transportation system.

It is important to note that testing requirements and procedures may change over time. Travellers should stay updated with the latest government guidelines and recommendations to ensure they comply with the necessary testing requirements upon their arrival in Canada.

Travellers who test positive must isolate for 10 days

If you test positive for COVID-19 after taking a random arrival test at Ottawa Airport, you will need to isolate for 10 days. This is mandatory, even if the province you are landing in no longer requires isolation due to the virus. The federal government has implemented this measure to help detect new variants entering Canada and prevent their spread. Therefore, regardless of provincial rules, you must stay in isolation for the full 10-day period and report your result to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

If you have a connecting flight or travel plans, you can continue your journey, but you must complete the test by the end of the next calendar day after arriving in Canada. You can choose from several free testing options, including labs that provide home-swab kits or in-person testing at approved locations listed on the government's website. It is important to use the same email address for registering your test as you use for the ArriveCan app, as this is how the government will receive your results.

If your test result is inconclusive, you will need to take another test. If you test negative but develop COVID-19 symptoms, such as a sore throat or sniffles, you must also isolate for 10 days. Failing to comply with testing and isolation requirements can result in fines of up to $5,000, so it is crucial to follow these directives.

It is worth noting that testing requirements and guidelines may change over time. For the most up-to-date information, refer to official sources, such as the Government of Canada or the Public Health Agency of Canada, to ensure you have the latest details regarding testing and isolation protocols.

Frequently asked questions