Travellers entering Canada can be fined $5,000 for fake COVID-19 test results

Travellers found entering Canada with fake COVID-19 test results can now be fined $5,000 for doing so, the federal government has announced.

In a statement, Transport Canada said proof of a negative COVID-19 laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada.

These tests “must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular test, such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test,” the government said. “The test must be taken within 72 hours of the traveller’s scheduled departure to Canada.”

The government said other types of tests, such as antigen tests, will not be accepted.

Regardless of their citizenship, all travellers coming to Canada will be required to have this proof in hand at the time of boarding; failure to do so will mean an automatic denial of boarding by the air carrier operating the flight to Canada.

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A negative laboratory test (paper or electronic proof of result) must be presented by the traveller to the airline or private operator prior to coming to Canada. Travellers must ensure that the negative laboratory test result includes the following data elements:

• Traveller name and date of birth
• Name and civic address of the laboratory/clinic/facility that administered the test
• The date on which the test was conducted
• The method of test conducted (e.g., PCR or LAMP)
• The test result (such as “negative” or “not detected”)

“Using a questionable or fraudulent document could result in the traveller being denied boarding, and subject to fines of up to $5,000 under the Aeronautics Act,” the government said. “This could also result in additional actions being levied against the traveller by a Public Health Quarantine officer upon arrival in Canada.”

Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada “must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine, unless exempted under the Quarantine Act,” the government noted.

As well, travellers will have their quarantine plans reviewed by a government official, and if the plan is not suitable, the traveller will be required to quarantine in a federally designated quarantine facility.