Since late February, 2021, anyone flying into Canada from abroad has had to take a COVID-19 test on arrival at the airport, then wait for the results at a supervised hotel. That’s in addition to the test they have to take before departure so that the airline will allow them to board. Those who test negative for the airport test in Canada can complete the rest of their 14-day quarantine at home, but anyone who tests positive will stay put while health officials check whether they have a variant.
Air travellers have to book and pay for a three-night stay before they arrive in Montreal, Calgary, Toronto or Vancouver, the only places currently accepting international flights; here is the federal advice page on how to do that. Hotels must offer free wireless internet, contactless meal delivery and a process to allow brief outdoor breaks; learn more about what to expect in the hotels here.
There are some exemptions to hotel quarantine for for temporary foreign workers, unaccompanied minors and people who’ve recently recovered from COVID-19 and have a molecular test to prove it. People driving into Canada from the United States don’t have to stay at the hotels, but they still have to self-isolate and have their paperwork and quarantine plans in order.
Read our full explainer on Canada’s pandemic travel rules.