Vancouver Airport: Covid Testing Availability And Accessibility

As of July 2022, COVID-19 testing at Vancouver Airport has moved from the airport itself to pharmacies and select testing provider locations and pharmacies. However, travellers can still get tested at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport, which offers on-site rapid COVID-19 testing in partnership with Bon Voyage Medical. The hotel is located in the US transborder international terminal building, and several testing options are available, including rapid viral antigen, RT-PCR, and other NAAT tests.

Fairmont Vancouver Airport offers on-site COVID-19 testing

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) offers on-site COVID-19 testing. The airport is currently in the research stage, trying to learn more about rapid COVID-19 tests and traditional PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests. The airport has boosted its testing capacity and is supporting efforts to expand COVID-19 drive-thru testing through partnerships with federal and state governments, labs, and insurance companies.

The Fairmont Vancouver Airport, an award-winning airport hotel, has launched on-site rapid COVID-19 testing in partnership with Bon Voyage Medical. The hotel, located directly above the US departures terminal and check-in counters, is a short walk from both International and Domestic arrivals and departures. The hotel offers a variety of testing options, including British Columbia's first 20-minute PCR test for asymptomatic travellers, rapid viral antigen tests, and other NAAT tests. Test results are available in as little as 20 minutes, providing a convenient option for travellers with quick turnaround travel plans. Hotel guests can also book their COVID-19 test appointments through Bon Voyage Medical for in-room services.

The Ultima Vancouver Airport Medical Clinic, located on Services Level 1 of the Main Terminal (below Domestic Arrivals), also provides rapid antigen and PCR testing. This area is pre-security, so connecting passengers will need to exit the secure area to access the clinic. The clinic operates daily from 10 am to 2 pm, and booking an appointment is preferred, although walk-ins are accepted. The rapid antigen test costs $69, while the PCR test costs $149.

Vancouver Airport is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its passengers and staff by providing accessible COVID-19 testing options. The availability of on-site testing at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport and the Ultima Vancouver Airport Medical Clinic enhances the convenience and efficiency of the testing process for travellers.

Testing options include rapid viral antigen, RT-PCR, and NAAT tests

Vancouver Airport offers COVID-19 testing for travel or work purposes. Testing options include rapid viral antigen, RT-PCR, and NAAT tests. Here is some information about these testing options:

Rapid Viral Antigen Test

The rapid antigen test is a quick testing option that typically provides results within 15 minutes to 2 hours. This test is widely accepted for entry into various countries, including the USA and Canada. It is important to note that a negative result from this test does not guarantee that you were infection-free at the time of testing, as there is a possibility of false negatives during the virus's incubation period.

RT-PCR Test

The RT-PCR test, also known as the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), is considered the gold standard for detecting the virus. It is highly sensitive and accurate, capable of detecting minuscule amounts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This test is accepted for re-entry into Canada and recognised by all airlines and countries. The specimen is collected via nasal swab or gargle sampling, and the test typically provides results within 12 to 36 hours.

NAAT Test

The NAAT test is a molecular assay testing method used to diagnose COVID-19 infection. It is widely accepted for travel and is recognised by all airlines and countries. The test detects the presence of the virus's nucleic acid, and the specimen is typically collected via nasal swab.

Positive rapid test results do not constitute a medical diagnosis

Vancouver Airport COVID-19 Testing

Vancouver International Airport has launched on-site rapid COVID-19 testing in partnership with Bon Voyage Medical. The testing facility is located in the hotel building attached to the US transborder international terminal. Travellers can choose from a variety of testing options, including rapid viral antigen, RT-PCR, and other NAAT tests. Results are available in as little as 20 minutes, making it a convenient option for travellers with quick turnaround plans.

Positive Rapid Test Results

While rapid tests are an important tool in the fight against COVID-19, it is important to note that a positive rapid test result does not constitute a medical diagnosis for COVID-19. This means that if an individual tests positive on a rapid test, they will need to undergo further testing approved by Health Canada to confirm the presence of the virus. This additional testing step ensures the accuracy of the diagnosis and helps public health leaders understand how asymptomatic carriers are contributing to the spread of the illness.

Implications of a Positive Rapid Test

In the event of a positive rapid test result, the individual's flight will be cancelled or changed at no charge as they will need to undergo further testing. This process is in line with the guidelines set by the Vancouver Airport Authority and is designed to protect the health and safety of all travellers. It is important to follow the recommended protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.

Understanding Asymptomatic Carriers

Asymptomatic carriers, or individuals who are infected with COVID-19 but do not exhibit any symptoms, play a significant role in the spread of the illness. While their contribution to the transmission is known, the exact prevalence of asymptomatic cases is still unclear. This underscores the importance of studies and testing frameworks that aim to better understand this aspect of the virus and inform public health policies and strategies.

Community Response to Testing

The implementation of the COVID-19 testing program at Vancouver Airport has sparked mixed reactions from the community. While some individuals express frustration over potential travel delays and complications, others recognize the importance of protecting Canadians and gathering data to inform border measures. The random testing nature of the program has also been a point of contention, with some questioning the effectiveness and fairness of the approach.

Random COVID-19 testing at Vancouver Airport resumed in July 2022

Vancouver Airport has offered on-site rapid COVID-19 testing since November 2021, in partnership with Bon Voyage Medical. Travellers can book various travel testing services at its on-site testing facility, with results available in as little as 20 minutes. Testing options include rapid viral antigen, RT-PCR, and other NAAT tests.

The random testing programme was implemented by the government to understand the "current level and trends of importation" of the virus into the country and the associated risk to Canadians. The data also helps inform decisions on the safe easing of border measures.

Prior to the introduction of the random testing programme, Vancouver Airport had launched a study to investigate the safest and most efficient way to rapidly test for COVID-19 in departing passengers. The study, which got underway in November 2020, was the first of its kind in Canada and was conducted in partnership with WestJet. Researchers evaluated several rapid tests that used nose swabs and oral rinses, with test results available within 20 minutes.

COVID-19 testing is also available at London Drugs in downtown Vancouver

COVID-19 testing is available at Vancouver International Airport. The airport has launched a COVID-19 rapid testing pilot for departing passengers. The testing is done in partnership with Bon Voyage Medical, which also operates several other testing facilities across the Lower Mainland. The on-site testing facility is located in the hotel building attached to the US transborder international terminal building. Travellers can choose from a variety of testing options, including rapid viral antigen, RT-PCR, and other NAAT tests. Results are available in as little as 20 minutes, with costs ranging from $110 to $595.

In addition to the airport, COVID-19 testing is also available at London Drugs in downtown Vancouver. They offer rapid antigen testing for $130. This option may be more convenient for those who prefer to get tested before arriving at the airport or who are not departing from Vancouver International Airport.

As of July 2022, COVID-19 testing at Vancouver's YVR airport has moved from the airport to pharmacies, where testing can be done via in-person or virtual appointments. This change may cause further travel delays and complications, as expressed by some Metro Vancouverites on social media. However, the random testing program is intended to protect Canadians and provide data to inform decisions on safe border measures.

It is important to note that a positive rapid test result at the airport does not constitute a medical diagnosis for COVID-19. Those who test positive would need to undergo further testing approved by Health Canada, and their flights would be cancelled or changed without charge.

Frequently asked questions