Canada changing testing requirements for vaccinated travelers

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WGRZ/WHEC) — Canada will allow fully vaccinated travelers to enter with a negative rapid antigen test from the last 24 hours instead of a molecular PCR test starting just after midnight on Feb. 28.

The Canadian government will not accept at-home rapid tests, saying rapid antigen tests must be authorized by the country where it was purchased and "administered by a laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service".

PCR tests will still be accepted and will need to be taken within 72 hours of departure.

Canada will also start randomly PCR testing fully vaccinated travelers before they arrive.

Unvaccinated travelers are still only allowed if they meet one of the country’s few exemptions and must still test on arrival, on Day 8 and quarantine for 14 days.

Officials told our Buffalo affiliate, WGRZ, the changes are part of a "more sustainable approach to long-term management of COVID-19" after the omicron variant passed its peak in Canada.