Entry into Canada with "proof of a previous positive molecular test result
 

We're in Portugal right now.
Both fully vaxxed with Booster.
I've tested positive on 2 tests with a fast test kit I carry with me.
My wife so far shows negative.

On the Canadian government site it says:

"When you arrive at the border, you must present an accepted negative molecular test result (paper or electronic proof) or proof of a previous positive molecular test result taken between 14 and 180 days (starting January 15, 2022, between 10 and 180 days ago)"

I see some references in another thread to a "proof of recovery" document but the government site doesn't mention this.

So, my question: If I get a positive pcr test here in Portugal today, can I use that to return to Canada after 10 days, without a further negative test or some other "proof of recovery"? Has anyone actually done this? (it seems counter-intuitive to me). Do the airlines recognize this? I'm returning on KLM from Amsterdam, my wife on Transat from Lisbon.

Obviously this beats the alternative of sitting in Europe, unable to rebook my flight, taking multiple pcr tests until one turns negative.

I'm curious about this too. I had a positive PCR test 4 weeks ago. I live in NYC and if I can travel to Canada to take care of business, visit family etc with a past positive that will make things much easier and cheaper.

From reading the posts in Canada entry thread, my understanding is that you need some sort of declaration of recovery, a four week old Positive test will not do it alone IMHO :idea:

Thanks - but could you be more specific regarding where these comments are? My searches for variants on recovery certificate, positive result, etc. don't turn up anything like this.

It's in this very long thread, and frankly I'm going from memory of what was posted:

canada-entry-rules-changing-fully-vaccinated

Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffersonCampervan View Post
Thanks - but could you be more specific regarding where these comments are? My searches for variants on recovery certificate, positive result, etc. don't turn up anything like this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EmailKid View Post
From reading the posts in Canada entry thread, my understanding is that you need some sort of declaration of recovery, a four week old Positive test will not do it alone IMHO

Thanks again: I had searched in that thread and also read through the last 15 pages of that thread, so I now went back 30 pages and found a few references to this provision, but none referencing an additional recovery certificate.

So my original question remains

For entry to Canada you need a positive PCR test, effectively in the same format as the 72 hour negative test results that you would otherwise need to fly.

You don't need a "letter of recovery" for Canada (you do for USA) as well.

I think some confusion is coming from us UK posters. In our vaccination record app, records of our NHS positive test results are also stored in the same format (QR code, date of test, etc). Somewhat confusingly, the positive result is titled "NHS Covid Pass - Recovery" even though there's precisely no evidence that anyone has recovered from Covid - just that on this date, the NHS recorded a positive OCR test against this person. Note that any positive test caught in this way triggers the UK isolation criteria.

We have questions about whether we can actually use this to fly to Canada under the positive result criteria. The certificate we have meets all the criteria except that it doesn;t specifically identify the lab used, as it;s generically issued under the NHS label. At least one poster on here HAS used it with British Airways and had no trouble. Another poster has reported using a generic positive PCR test to fly to Canada from Turkey I think

The issue/question with using this (or any positive PCR test for that matter) is that Canada is one of very few countries whose entry criteria allows for a positive test as an alternative to a negative test. As most people checking the documents are airline staff, who have a number of other jobs as well as managing the different entry criteria for each country, you're potentially asking for trouble, especially fi you're flying a multi-connection route or things like that. Iif they're not aware/understanding of Canada's criteria they are very likely to deny boarding rather than risk a large penalty from Canada

So, just checked in at LHR this morning for AC861. The check-in attendant glance at my NHS positive test result (including QR code, etc) then asked to see the email from the NHS saying I'd tested positive (which is the dodgiest, most easily fakeable email you could imagine) and was happy with that. As per travel.gc.ca, no need for any actual statement of recovery from a doctor or anything, and she said I shouldn't be asked for any of this on arrival.= - I should just get the green sticker on my passport and skip the arrivals testing process

I just returned using my proof of positive test from 21 November. I did not have a letter of recovery. The agent glanced at it and issued the boarding pass. I had zero issues at Pearson with the cbsa officer. got a green PHAC sticker and sent on my way. Exempt from testing.

Please note the info on travel.gc.ca changed and it's now 11 days, not 10, after a positive test!

It's my understanding that a positive test result gives a (vaccinated) traveller 6 months of unlimited returns to Canada without needing a pre-entry test. So there's actually a benefit to getting infected with the mild cold-like Omicron variant as long as you obtain a PCR test while you're sick.

Did anyone return to Canada with a positive RT-LAMP test from Switch Health?

Saintsman15

Just to clarify, the “positive test result” and the “email” you refer to here are two different documents?

If so, do you know why the test result wasn’t sufficient on its own? I’m traveling into Canada with a past positive PCR test result (it’s own document) and while I have an email as well it doesn’t actually give the result, it only tells me the result is available for download on our public health website.

​​​​​​So, I was using my NHS test result/certificate, stored in the NHS app alongside my Vax certificates. It details the type of test, the date, the result etc and has a scannable QR code for those with the correct app. That by itself wasn't deemed to be enough for the check-in agent who also asked to see the email In was sent by the NHS that informed me my PCR had returned positive. That's a plain text email that could be very easily faked. I have zero understanding as to why that was necessary or what it proved

Any updates on this what is required? Just a positive result is good enough for Canada or need a special doc?