J. Leslie

I refused the whole thing in December at YYC. Just walked out after being randomly selected. I never got a call...and haven't had a problem at CBSA in three subsequent arrivals. That said, I never answer calls with an unknown or unidentified number, so they may have tried. In any event, I highly doubt there'll ever be a follow up or a fine. They, too, know it's all theatre.

sydneyracquelle

I never did any if the mandatory tests. Travelled to Canada every month in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Still have 8 blue boxes on my desk. No one has ever said anything.

iahphx

Does anyone know anything about the mandatory random Covid testing at Canadian LAND borders? I last crossed the USA-Canada border in October, back when they required mandatory pre-arrival testing. I saw that they were still randoming pulling over people for an additional test, and I understand this program is NOT paused. Is there a way to game NOT being selected? Are some border crossings more like to test than others, or are there certain times for testing? I'm crossing again next week and, obviously, I don't want any of this random hassle.

BTW, do any of the Provinces still require visitors to register?

yyzflyer

From the Government of Canada website:
"In addition, the pause of mandatory random testing will continue at all airports until mid-July, for travellers who qualify as fully vaccinated. The pause was put in place on June 11, 2022, and is allowing airports to focus on streamlining their operations, while the Government of Canada moves forward with its planned move of COVID-19 testing for air travellers outside of airports to select test provider stores, pharmacies, or by virtual appointment. Mandatory random testing continues at land border points of entry, with no changes."

Unfortunately you are correct. We crossed at Lewiston/Queenston last week in a long lineup and about 50% of Canadian plates were pulled over to the yellow light area for secondaries of some sort, and about one in five US plates, based on 30 minutes or so of direct observation. That was the main reason for the back-up. We lucked into a shift change right before our turn and were waved through - possibly just because the holding area was full to overflowing.

sydneyracquelle

I have been going back and forth over the 3 Buffalo land borders every few weeks and haven’t seen any random testing.

Dan1113

Any update on when the airport random arrival testing will begin again?

Is it antigen or PCR? We had covid last month so slightly nervous it would still be positive on PCR if that's what it is - but our country stopped testing so we have no proof of our covid from last month.

We arrive in just over a week and hoping to avoid it coming back...

analogueman

I believe they only said mid-July. Didn't give an exact date.

yyztozag

Yeah I can guarantee that’s not happening.

analogueman

You don’t think they’ll have it ready in time?

yyztozag

I just don't see it happening at all.

a) taking up time and space for such a useless chore would be completely tonedeaf to the chaotic situation (especially in YYZ)
b) no need for such measures in an endemic phase
c) you would have to be out of your mind to actually leave the airport and go to some testing facility because you were randomly selected. No one is ever going to do this
d) no, they won't have the program ready in time

ywgckp

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-heal...ravellers.html

Starting back again next Tuesday.......

analogueman

Eye roll.

YYZ1313

Don't you see the federal government won't let it go anytime soon? lol

analogueman

My BA flight for October got cancelled yesterday. I was going to book on another airline. That was until this news came out. Can't afford running the risk of taking a test that comes back positive and having to isolate for 10 days. Wouldn't care, was looking forward to coming. What the hell are you playing at, Canada?

mhodge

That's easy, as much as it pains me just don't come here and spend your hard-earned money in a country that actually welcomes tourists, not in this madhouse.