Citizenship test in international transit zone due to COVID measures

[Flandernss]

Couldn't you rent a car and corss down to the US and get back to Europe from NYC?

I know it is far from ideal but... better than being stuck for 14 days in quarantine.

 

[smash1984]

Couldn't you rent a car and corss down to the US and get back to Europe from NYC?

I know it is far from ideal but... better than being stuck for 14 days in quarantine.

The US Canada land border has been closed for the past year to non-essential traffic. He won't be able to cross, and definitely he can't drive around during the 2 week quarantine period.

 

[Flandernss]

The border is closed to enter the US too?

Well then it is just "for show" that they say, "You may choose to leave Canada before the end of the 14-day quarantine period ".

As a matter of fact, you can't "chose to leave (...) before the end of the 14-day quarantine period".

 

[smash1984]

The border is closed to enter the US too?

Well then it is just "for show" that they say, "You may choose to leave Canada before the end of the 14-day quarantine period ".

As a matter of fact, you can't "chose to leave (...) before the end of the 14-day quarantine period".

Good question, I believe it is closed from agreement on both sides. So while from the Canadian side you will be out but the Americans will turn you back.

I could be wrong but that is how i understand the situation. Somebody was also forced into quarantine like this when he didnt even get to cross the US border.

 

[mohammedessam]

Hi guys,

I've received an invitation for the test now, however, currently living outside Canada. Who knows can I pass the test in the international transit zone of Toronto airport? As I don't wanna put myself in a quarantine for 2 weeks if I pass through the border control. Thanks for your thoughts.

You have to be landed in Canada to do the test.
If you are in the International transit zone, then you are not landed yet in Canada.
Also most airlines need a valid PCR test to accept you on the flight back to Europe

 

[matlal]

Hi guys,

I've received an invitation for the test now, however, currently living outside Canada. Who knows can I pass the test in the international transit zone of Toronto airport? As I don't wanna put myself in a quarantine for 2 weeks if I pass through the border control. Thanks for your thoughts.

@Bobesponja this is rather an interesting question. Possibly a loophole. However, what you need to consider, is the stamps in your passport. By being in the transit zone, you are not getting entry stamp on your passport. This will be necessary to prove you were in Canada at the time of the test. If you are able to navigate through the quarantine restriction, like exit into the airport and then step back to get your next flight. Some long halt flights will need you to recheckin. A lot of moving parts. However if you can figure , a way to be at the airport and exit on a flight, without of having to quarantine and have to do a another Covid test. This is a workable idea, as long as you can get a stamp in your passport, for being in Canada.

 

[Flandernss]

@Bobesponja this is rather an interesting question. Possibly a loophole. However, what you need to consider, is the stamps in your passport. By being in the transit zone, you are not getting entry stamp on your passport. This will be necessary to prove you were in Canada at the time of the test. If you are able to navigate through the quarantine restriction, like exit into the airport and then step back to get your next flight. Some long halt flights will need you to recheckin. A lot of moving parts. However if you can figure , a way to be at the airport and exit on a flight, without of having to quarantine and have to do a another Covid test. This is a workable idea, as long as you can get a stamp in your passport, for being in Canada.

Passport stamps shouldn't be "the way" to prove entries anywhere: most times they don't stamp my passport AT ALL.

 

[Flandernss]

I don't know if your problem is money or time.

If it is money, you could enter and say you can't affor the hotel stopover, then they will make you quarantine in a federal facility (sounds awful, but it shouldnt be...).

 

[vladikim]

I would say Try to get a ticket to the US that is transiting via Canada, you may be able to complete the test within 30 min or so, just make sure you have enough time to complete all the transiting procedures. From the US you can fly back to Europe without being quarantine there. However you have to make sure to be in a quite place with no people around while taking the test. I’m sure you will be able to find such place as the airports are so dead these days. However I’m not sure about Canada’s transiting policies these days, although I see many tickets to the US that have connections in Toronto.

 

[simfhs]

Passport stamps shouldn't be "the way" to prove entries anywhere: most times they don't stamp my passport AT ALL.

I would say Try to get a ticket to the US that is transiting via Canada, you may be able to complete the test within 30 min or so, just make sure you have enough time to complete all the transiting procedures. From the US you can fly back to Europe without being quarantine there. However you have to make sure to be in a quite place with no people around while taking the test. I’m sure you will be able to find such place as the airports are so dead these days. However I’m not sure about Canada’s transiting policies these days, although I see many tickets to the US that have connections in Toronto.

Yes the stamps are one way for us to verify to CIC, but the entries/exit entries made by CBSA officers will be recorded in file (and requested by CIC for verification)
Transiting via airport in Canada won’t prove the "physical presence" inside Canada.

I am not sure if one can cross the immigration and return back inside the airport without passing the quarantine health authorities.
You have the option to re-schedule the test/oath when you are back in Canada, or follow the current protocol as such.

 

[Bobesponja]

I would say Try to get a ticket to the US that is transiting via Canada, you may be able to complete the test within 30 min or so, just make sure you have enough time to complete all the transiting procedures. From the US you can fly back to Europe without being quarantine there. However you have to make sure to be in a quite place with no people around while taking the test. I’m sure you will be able to find such place as the airports are so dead these days. However I’m not sure about Canada’s transiting policies these days, although I see many tickets to the US that have connections in Toronto.

Thanks, do you know if I'm crossing CBSA control when heading to US departures in Pearson?

 

[matlal]

Passport stamps shouldn't be "the way" to prove entries anywhere: most times they don't stamp my passport AT ALL.

@Flandernss that's only when you cross into Canada by road. By air , you have to pass immigration even if you pass thru the Global entry Kiosk - Nexus

Well if you are outside the country , how else can you prove if you are back in the country. And when they don't stamp for land border at Canada US border, you can get your i94 history to show entry and exit points.

 

[matlal]

@Flandernss that's only when you cross into Canada by road. By air , you have to pass immigration even if you pass thru the Global entry Kiosk - Nexus

Well if you are outside the country , how else can you prove if you are back in the country. And when they don't stamp for land border at Canada US border, you can get your i94 history to show entry and exit points.

@Bobesponja
Here is something you can try. Fly to an airport closest to the border, do a test in the US if needed, drive to Canada, do your test, and fly back either from Toronto, or back from any US airport.

The land crossing doesn't require quarantine, and it would be cheaper to stay at an US hotel, get the test. This way you can plan and get cheaper hotel and flight tickets.

 

[Gemini020]

@Bobesponja
Here is something you can try. Fly to an airport closest to the border, do a test in the US if needed, drive to Canada, do your test, and fly back either from Toronto, or back from any US airport.

The land crossing doesn't require quarantine, and it would be cheaper to stay at an US hotel, get the test. This way you can plan and get cheaper hotel and flight tickets.

where do you get that for land you do not need to quarantine? I don't think that is true, with some exceptions.

 

[simfhs]

@Bobesponja
Here is something you can try. Fly to an airport closest to the border, do a test in the US if needed, drive to Canada, do your test, and fly back either from Toronto, or back from any US airport.

The land crossing doesn't require quarantine, and it would be cheaper to stay at an US hotel, get the test. This way you can plan and get cheaper hotel and flight tickets.

There is a mandatory quarantine for anyone entering via land, with a few exemptions. You have to go directly to your place of quarantine.
https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/driving-canada-checklist