Toronto-Pearson airport warns of long delays this weekend

Officials with Toronto-Pearson International Airport are warning arriving international travellers to expect delays as long as three hours this weekend.

“Your airport experience will be different than trips prior to the pandemic,” the airport said in a statement online. “Due to new government travel requirements that prioritize your health, you may experience additional screening, health checks, and delays.”

People coming into the country during peak times will be asked to wait in a specific area of the terminal before entering the customs hall.

“Once in the customs hall, you will be screened by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer, where you will present your documents and show your ArriveCAN app submission,” they said. “You may be referred to the Public Health Agency of Canada to answer additional questions.”

After passing through customs, travellers can pick up their luggage.

Fully vaccinated passengers won’t be tested for coronavirus at the airport, however, some may be randomly selected for a COVID-19 molecular test.

Travellers that are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated will undergo mandatory testing at the airport. They then must go to a suitable place and quarantine for at least 14 days after leaving the airport.

For those departing Pearson for international destinations, the airport is recommending travellers arrive at least three hours before their flight. Domestic travellers should arrive at least 90 minutes before their flight’s departure.

“These new processes are in place to prioritize your health and safety and we appreciate your patience,” they said.

Editor’s note: the article has been updated to clarify the COVID-19 testing requirements at the airport