Answering readers’ questions on U.S. border travel

Some things we’ve learned since the start of the pandemic: travel rules and restrictions are fluid and can change on a dime. Those same regulations are often difficult to understand, and come with caveats, fine print — and if misunderstood, could lead to hefty fines.

If you’re planning a trip to the United States during the fourth wave, you likely have questions you haven’t been able to easily find answers to.

From testing to land border reopening, we answer your pressing #PandemicTravel questions.

My trip to the U.S. is shorter than 72 hours. Can the COVID-19 test I take in Canada be used to also get me back in the country?

Yes. If your trip is less than 72 hours, Canadian citizens, people registered under the Indian Act, permanent residents and protected persons (defined by the government as a person who faces persecution in the country they originated for a number of reasons including race or religion) are allowed to do their pre-entry molecular test before leaving Canada.

If the test is more than 72 hours old by the time you reenter Canada, you’ll have to get a new molecular test in the U.S.

This applies to land, air and marine travel.

Canada will not accept the results of a rapid antigen test.

I’m a Canadian citizen. They can’t deny me entry into the country, right?

Well, yes and no. Yes, you will be allowed to gain entry to Canada.

No, you can be denied immediate re-entry, depending on your situation.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents or people registered under the Indian Act and foreign nationals eligible to enter the country under exemptions like foreign work, study, compassionate grounds, will not be denied boarding or entry.

However, those travellers who don’t submit information through ArriveCAN may face additional delays at the border for public health questioning and may be subject to fines or enforcement action.

As an example, if you are a Canadian citizen who has COVID-19 symptoms who is planning to travel by air, the federal site says that you will not be able to board a public flight to come to Canada until 14 days have passed or if you present “a medical certificate confirming that your symptoms are not related to COVID-19.”

When you are able to finally re-enter, you will then need to follow testing and quarantine requirements.

To find out if you can enter Canada, you can take this quick test on the Government of Canada website.

What is a molecular test?

Travellers by land or air coming to Canada must provide a negative molecular COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of your arrival at a land border or prior to your scheduled flight to Canada. Rapid antigen test results will not be accepted.

These tests below are considered acceptable molecular tests: á PCR — Polymerase chain reaction á Nucleic acid test (NAT) or Nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs) á Reverse transcription loopmediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP).

These tests usually come in the form of a nose swab or saliva sample.

The molecular (PCR) tests are different from a rapid antigen test, which people can readily purchase online at reputable retailers and pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart, for about $40 per test.

The United States accepts both types of viral tests for entry.