Ottawa urged to ditch expensive PCR tests for vaccinated travellers

Cross-border COVID-19 testing remains a considerable barrier for Canadians eager to head stateside this winter, according to travel experts.

The Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable is calling on the federal government to drop testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, noting they will need different negative test results to enter the U.S. and return home.

Wendy Paradis, president of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies, said the hassle of getting tested would discourage people, especially seniors, from resuming the day trips, family reunions and vacations that have been put on hold for almost two years.

“They are often cancelling or rescheduling,” said Paradis. “The reason [is] confusion about the border overall and confusion over the ever-evolving rules.”

While the U.S. will accept results from the much cheaper and more easily accessible rapid antigen tests, Canada requires travellers, regardless of vaccination status, to take a molecular test, like the expensive PCR test, within 72 hours of departure.

Some PCR tests can cost up to $200 a pop and take one to two days to get results.

Michael MacKenzie, executive director of the Canadian Snowbird Association, said proof of vaccination should be enough.

“Now that the United States has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots to include those 65 years of age and over, we anticipate returning snowbirds will be the safest and most vaccinated Canadians when they return in the spring,” he said. “We’re calling on the federal government to follow the lead of other G20 countries.”

A survey conducted by the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada found 37 per cent of Canadians plan to go south for their first trip since the pandemic.

“PCR testing adds nearly $600 to an average family’s travel expenses,” said executive director Will McAleer. “This is about accessibility and affordability.”

The new international travel rules, which also require that foreign nationals be fully vaccinated, are scheduled to take effect on November 8.