TORONTO — Despite the Canada-U.S. land border now being open, some travelers say the mandatory negative molecular COVID-19 test required to return to Canada, which can cost more than the equivalent of C$150, has them continuing to forgo trips. Currently, anyone entering Canada must show proof of a negative molecular test for COVID-19 taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival at the border. Those tests, such as the PCR test, are to be taken at the traveler’s expense, and while the costs of these tests vary, they often carry a price tag anywhere from $150 to $300. Rapid, antigen tests, which are less expensive, are not accepted to return to Canada. Yet some Canadians have found an affordable option, with select U.S. clinics and pharmacies offering free molecular tests through a government-funded program across all states. However, they stress that planning ahead is necessary to obtain these tests for free. Newsletter sign-up: Get
The COVID-19 Brief sent to your inboxKenda Martin, of Moncton N.B., travels to New York City every September for the U.S. Open tennis tournament. She told CTVNews.ca in a telephone interview Thursday that she did “about seven hours of research” before the trip to make sure she would be able to get back to Canada with the proper test results. After looking into her options, Martin opted for a free PCR test for her return trip through New York City Health and Hospitals. While the test was free to Martin, it was actually funded by the U.S. government as part of a program to offer low- or no-cost COVID-19 tests to everyone in the U.S., including those who don’t have medical insurance. Upon arriving at the testing site, Martin said she had to wait in line for about 45 minutes before a woman took down her information including listing her hotel when asked to provide an address and checking her passport. Martin says the process took about 15 minutes and she was not required to provide any insurance information.“We were tested probably at three o’clock in the afternoon, and by the time I woke up Sunday morning at 7 a.m. my results were in my email,” Martin said. “It was really quick and didn’t cost me a dime. It was super easy.”
Martin added that she faced no issues when flying back into Canada with her results.
While it seems simple, clinics and pharmacies do warn that Canadians may not get their test results in time for their return, as the PCR results can take up to 72 hours.
Tami Watson, of Southport, Man. also recently took advantage of free PCR testing offered by the state of North Dakota when visiting her boyfriend. Watson told CTVNews.ca in a telephone interview Tuesday that her test results came back in about 28 hours.
Source: ctvnews.ca
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
