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Covid Test before the Canada Border

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Covid Test before the Canada Border (such as the self administered RT-Lamp covid test)

If you are driving to Canada or back to Canada you will need to get a molecular Covid Test prior to arriving at the Canadian Border. This test must be done in the USA within 72 hours of arriving at the border. The test results must be uploaded to your ArriveCan App.

There are several tests that are accepted by Canada.

  • PCR – Polymerase chain reaction
  • Nucleic acid test (NAT) or Nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs)
  • Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)

  • Rapid antigen tests aren’t accepted.

It is likely most motorists will be tested in one of the states bordering Canada. All of these tests are available at various labs in Washington State, Montana and Idaho.

Here is a link to Washington Testing Locations Note you will have to call these locations to see if they accept Canadians.

Montana Covid Testing Locations

Covid Tests in Idaho State

Self Administered RT-Lamp Covid Test

Earlier this year Air Canada partnered with Switch Health to provide their passengers with a molecular covid test Kit that could be self administered (under video supervision) and accepted by Canada for entry.

This test kit is designed for travellers. The RT-LAMP test is accepted for re-entry into Canada, amongst other countries.

Test for presence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19. The RT-LAMP Test Kit is a molecular diagnostic test and does not require laboratory processing. It is a self-administered test observed via a telehealth experience.

This is the least stressful way for motorists who are just heading to the USA for a short duration and need test results quickly and at an affordable cost. You need internet and a smart device with a camera. The beauty of this method is that you buy the RT-Lamp kit in Canada and you take it with you to the USA so that you can take the test at your convenience before you return to Canada.

If you are going for a Day Trip to the USA. You can take the kit with you and stop someplace as soon as you cross the USA border. Do the test – get the results, and upload them right away to your ArriveCan App. Now you are free and relaxed to enjoy yourself for the day or two. When you drive back to Canada if your ArriveCan app is filled out as required you should experience a stress free border crossing.

You can Buy a COVID-19 RT-LAMP Test Kit from Switch Health and if you have an Aeroplan number you can save $50.00

BC / USA Border Cams and Road Condition Reports

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How to go to the USA.

The rules imposed by the United States Dec 2 2021 requiring a test 24hours before flying to the USA do not apply at the land border however You are still required to be fully vaccinated to drive to USA.

Driving to Canada

Canadian Covid -19 Emergency border measures have ended.

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