Canada's Mandatory Hotel Stays For Int'l Air Travellers Begin On February 22

The federal government has announced the date that Canada's strict new air travel rules, including mandatory hotel stays, come into effect: February 22. 

Beginning on February 22, non-essential travellers entering Canada by airplane will be required to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test before leaving the airport — and then they'll have to wait three nights for the results at a government-authorized hotel.

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I [thank] the many stakeholders, such as the hotel associations and their employees, who are quickly stepping up to help us continue to add layers of protection at our international borders.

Patty Hajdu, Canada's minister of health

Non-essential travellers also still need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken 72 hours before their flight departing for Canada.*

Canada's Minister of Health, Patty Hajdu, said air travellers will need to reserve their three-night hotel stay before their departure, and they'll have to pay for it themselves. 

Prices include the cost of the room, food, cleaning, infection prevention, security and transportation, Hajdu said.

According to Hajdu, a number of hotels will be available to choose from near the four international airports currently accepting flights in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal.

After their three-day hotel stay, upon receiving a negative COVID-19 molecular test, Hajdu said travellers can take a connecting flight to their final destination. 

But they will need to take another PCR test toward the end of their mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

Hotel booking information is expected to be available online as of February 18, she said.

*This article has been updated.