Quarantine Hotel – Canada
As Silver Immigration has been getting a lot of questions regarding the quarantine hotel rules in Canada, we have decided to answer the most frequently asked questions. Below are the answers with the current information provided by the Canadian government. However, as the rules are subject to change, please ensure you are up to date with the most recent regulations before entering Canada.
Do I have to get tested before entering?
Yes. All travelers 5 years of age or older, regardless of citizenship must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.
You must:
- Take the test within 72 hours of your scheduled flight departure time for your flight that lands in Canada.
- Provide one of the accepted type of tests, not an antigen test.
- Keep proof of your test results for the 14-day period that begins on the day you enter Canada.
At this time, proof of having a vaccine does not replace a valid test result.
Do I have to quarantine at a hotel?
As of February 21, 2021, at 11:59 pm ET, travelers, unless exempted, will be required to:
- Reserve a government-authorized hotel for 3 nights prior to departure to Canada.
- Take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival in Canada.
- Stay in the government-authorized hotel while awaiting the results of the COVID-19 molecular test taken on arrival.
Who pays for the quarantine hotel?
Travelers will pay for the cost of the hotel stay, as well as all associated costs for food, security, transportation and infection prevention and control measures.
How do I book the quarantine hotel?
List of government approved hotels can be found here.
Travelers must present proof of having reserved and pre-paid for their accommodation through ArriveCAN.
Who is exempt from the quarantine hotel requirement?
Travelers are exempt from the 3-night hotel stay if they’re:
- An unaccompanied minor or unaccompanied dependent child or
- already exempt from the requirement to undergo post-arrival testing.
What are the quarantine hotel rules?
While in the hotel you must not leave your hotel room unless it’s:
- For a medical emergency.
- For an essential medical service or treatment.
- Pre-authorized by a government official.
In addition, you cannot have any visitors or use shared spaces, such as: pools, gyms, lobbies, courtyards, restaurants.
Meals will be delivered to your room 3 times daily.
Cleaning personnel won’t enter your room.
If you have a pet, you can make arrangements to book your mandatory stopover in a hotel that allows pets.
What happens if I don’t go to the hotel?
Violating any instructions provided to you when entering Canada is an offence under the Quarantine Act and could lead to one or both of the following:
- A fine of up to $750,000.
- Up to 6 months in prison.
If a person breaks mandatory quarantine or isolation requirements, and causes the death of or serious bodily harm to another person, they could face one or both of the following:
- A fine of up to $1,000,000.
- Up to 3 years in prison.
When can I leave the hotel?
Once you’ve received your negative test, even if it’s before the end of your 3-night stay, you can call the hotel reception and notify them of your check-out.
Remember, travelers will also be required to take another COVID-19 molecular test on day 10 of their 14-day quarantine. Travelers will be provided with a COVID-19 test kit and instructions before leaving the airport.
