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Documents & PCR Test You Need To Fly From Canada

Updated: Oct 24, 2021

If you’re planning a trip overseas due to ongoing international travel restrictions, you will need to plan ahead. From booking a PCR test ahead of your flight to making sure you have all the right documents in place before you head to the airport, travel can feel a little overwhelming at the moment. But don’t panic; in this guide, we’re going to reveal exactly which documents you will need to fly from Canada to another country, as well as which COVID test you need and how to get a fit-to-fly certificate. So, sit back, relax and get ready to explore the world once again!



PCR test to travel & important documents

What Documents Do I Need To Bring With Me To The Airport?


Due to the global pandemic, there are still a couple of new documents that are now required when flying from Canada to another country. You may need to fill in a form online before you head to the airport or print off a document and take it with you to show while checking in for your flight or at the boarding gate.


For international travel, Canadian’s should bring one valid form of identification, issued by a government authority with your;

  • photo

  • full name

  • date of birth

  • sex


This can be a Canadian passport, a passport issued by a country where you are a citizen or even a Nexus card.


To limit the spread of COVID-19 from October 30, 2021, all Canadian airports require travellers to be fully vaccinated in order to fly. This also applies to travellers flying as part of a cruise. However, even if you are fully vaccinated, if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you will need to present a medical certificate confirming that your symptoms are not related to COVID-19. Failing to do this could mean not being allowed to board your flight.


Depending on the country you are travelling to or any countries you will be transiting through, you may also need to provide additional documents. For example, if you are flying from Canada to the US, along with a negative PCR test, you will also be required to fill in a self-declaration form at the airport. However, suppose you are flying to the UK, and you are fully vaccinated, you must also book and pay for a COVID-19 test to be taken before the end of day 2 in England and complete a passenger located form, which needs to be completed in the 48 hours before you arrive in England.


If you’re travelling to Hawaii, you should know that you will need to apply for the Hawaii Travel and Health Form, before entering the country. This document is a travel requirement and will be processed electronically. You will also need a COVID-19 test from a specifically Hawaiian government-approved network of clinics. Unfortunately, we are not part of this list as of yet and therefore cannot provide a fit-to-fly COVID-19 test for travellers flying to Hawaii.


It is best to check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to in advance so that you give yourself enough time to prepare the relevant paperwork and book the right PCR test.



PCR test to travel & important documents - COVID-19 test

Which Covid-19 test do I need to take?


Now let’s talk PCR tests. So, as we mentioned above, if you’re flying from Canada, you will need to be fully vaccinated from October 30 2021. But, if you are showing any symptoms that could be associated with COVID-19, you may board only with a negative PCR test. This will give yourself and the airport staff reassurance that you are fit to fly and will be allowed on the flight.


Moreover, depending on where you are flying to, you may also need to take a PCR test at most 72 hours before you arrive at your final destination. This is the case for travellers flying from Canada to the UK, although an antigen test is also acceptable. If you are heading to the US, travellers must provide a negative COVID-19 test, but this can be either a PCR, NAAT, LAMP or Rapid Antigen test, as long as the test is viral.


Book a PCR test for travel at Safe Travels Clinic in Windsor, Ontario. With fast results and affordable prices, we are empowering Canadian travellers to explore the world, make important business trips, visit relatives overseas without putting their health at risk.



PCR test to travel & important documents - check-in desk

Top Tips To Minimize Your Risk While Travelling


Talking about health and safety, here are some top tips to minimize your risk of bugs, germs, bacteria and viral infections while at the airport and flying overseas.


Tip 1: Pack multiple face masks in your hand luggage


Where a face mask that covers your mouth and nose while in the airport and then change your mask when you’re onboard the aircraft. This helps to reduce your exposure to any bacteria and germs. While flying, cabin crew may provide refreshments such as drinks and snacks. If you forget about the risk of infection and remove your face mask with your hands, touching the outside of the mask and then eat a snack, you are putting yourself at risk. By frequently changing the face mask, there is less of a build-up of bacteria and germs on the surface of the mask. Although always remember to thoroughly wash your hands either with soap and water or with hand sanitizer before touching your face or eating and drinking.


Tip 2: Carry sanitizer wipes


Phones, laptops, keys and passport wallets etc. all come into contact with multiple surfaces while travelling. You might put your phone down on a table while having a coffee. You may use the bathroom and then take out your passport wallet to check your documents. By having sanitizer wipes to hand at all times, you will be more likely to clean these items often and so reduce your risk of coming into contact with germs and bacteria.


Tip 3: Wash your clothes and shower on arrival


While it might be tempting to jump onto a big comfy hotel bed after you’ve been travelling for a long time, pause for a moment and take a warm shower. Put the clothes you’ve been travelling in either in a washing machine or a plastic bag to keep separate from your other items.


If you need to book a PCR test or rapid antigen test ahead of travelling abroad, book with Safe Travels Clinic here.


References:

1:https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/flying

2:https://www.forbes.com/sites/andyjsemotiuk/2021/10/15/us-border-to-open-as-entry-requirements-change/?sh=66c8b86461d6

3:https://www.finnair.com/gb-en/flight-information/travel-updates/entry-requirements-to-the-uk-2157352

4:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19#red-list

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