Update for those bringing Foreign Nationals Into Canada.
Michael Deane
Helping companies relocate employees & recruits seamlessly, whether it is domestically, cross-border or globally.
The Government released the list of approved Quarantine hotels this morning as well as information for travelers that are required to stay in the quarantine hotels.
Here are the Highlights from the Announcement:
- All International Travelers (with some exceptions) must arrive at one of the following 4 airports;
- Calgary International (2 Hotels)
- Vancouver International (1 Hotel)
- Toronto Pearson (4 Hotels)
- Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau (4 Hotels)
A few hotels haven approved. The list can be found online here.
- We have learned that more hotels may be added.
- All travelers must book by phone calling 1-800-294-8253.
- Operational from 8 AM – 11 PM ET.
Who is exempt?
- By Air: This is a little less clear. There is language that indicates this rule is in place for non-essential travel. However, all indications are that most travelers will be required to quarantine in the hotel, therefore as of writing, we are advising all travelers with work permits (unless they hold an exemption status which is quite limited) will be required to use the quarantine hotel. We will provide a further update when we learn this.
- By Land: The traveler is not required to stay in the 3 day quarantine hotel but must still self-isolate as previously required, unless the traveler is exempt from self-isolation.
What if all the hotels are full ?(quite possible as there aren’t many, and only one in Vancouver for instance).
As yet, we don’t have a complete answer from the hotel booking service the government is using. Their initial response is to try again in a “few Hours” or the following day. But to ensure you book before you travel. We will continue to follow up on this today and send an update when we have more information.
The 1-800# is very busy and your traveler may not get through right away.
Can a Third Party book for A Traveler?
- We have mixed responses on this question and will provide a further update on Monday.
- Payment must be made in full at the time of booking.
When Must a Traveler Book the Hotel
Before travel.
When does this new Rule Come Into Effect
February 21, 2021, at 11:59 pm ET
How many days will my traveler stay in the quarantine hotel?
3 Nights.
The traveler must then make safe travel arrangements from the hotel to the final quarantine/self-isolation location. All Points can coordinate this transportation.
Do the other self-isolation rules change?
No.
Your traveler will need to stay in self-isolation in the new location until the full 14 days are completed.
A bit about the Hotels
- They must provide the transportation from the Airport to the Hotel.
- All guests are provided 3 meals a day.
- Limited outdoor time is permitted but, essentially, by appointment.
- Some – not all hotels are able to take pets.
- There are no dog walking services but guests are permitted limited/approved outdoor time if they test negative for COVID-19. If they test positive they are not permitted this time. It is not clear what would happen to pets should this circumstance arise, we are looking more into this.
- No access to gyms or other hotel amenities during the 3 day quarantine is permitted.
What if my Traveler Tests Positive
While the government has not announced where the traveler will be relocated, they will have to continue quarantine in a government approved facility. We anticipate more information next week on this topic. The traveler cannot proceed in this instance to another hotel or temporary housing facility. This will not be an option!
What All Points Can Do?
- Booking of the secondary isolation location – temporary accommodation to complete the quarantine period
- Transportation from the hotel to the temporary accommodation
- Grocery, Supply and Provision shop/drop at temporary accommodation
- Confirming if we can book the hotel on behalf of the guest.