The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has issued reminders on the new entry protocols for travelers to Canada which include Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
POEA said that the government of Canada has announced its new pre-departure requirements for all travelers to the country as part of its intensified preventive efforts against the spread of COVID-19.
Effective January 7, 2021, POEA said that all travelers entering Canada - including OFWs - "are now required to undergo COVID-19 molecular Ploymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing within 72 hours” prior their scheduled departure to the said country.
“The traveler must have a negative COVID-19 test result, which must be presented to the respective airline prior boarding,” POEA said. “Likewise, travelers are required to complete the mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Canada,” it added.
Furthermore, POEA reminded that all travelers are required to use the ArriveCAN app or website and provide accurate contact information and their mandatory 14-day quarantine plan on or before entry.
“Violating the said protocol is an offense under the Canada’s Quarantine Act and violators could lead up to six months in prison or could be fined with $750,000,” POEA ended.