Has anyone have a +PCR and tried to come back to Canada?

[zook50]

We are from Saskatchewan and travelled by car to South Padre Island, Texas, on December 31.  We were extra careful on our entire 30+ hour trip, not interacting with anyone, not dining indoors (yes drive through only or curbside pickup), KN95 masks everywhere, running quickly into bathrooms (and only if not crowded).  We disinfected all rooms we were in, even though we arrived late each night (probably many hours after anyone had been in the room).  We did notice the "relaxation" of rules as we drove south, but we still felt much safer than friends who have spent countless hours in airports and planes (several of whom have tested positive).  We are in Texas now, enjoying the mild Gulf Coast weather and beaches, but still very cautious with distancing, masks, etc., as many here seem to ignore the fact that there's a pandemic.  Indoor restaurants are packed, many don't mask, and people still meet for events.  We are not looking forward to our border adventure going back at the start of March, but we're trying to not focus on something we can't do anything about right now.  Who knows how things will change by then??

[katiecat]

11 hours ago, zook50 said:

We are from Saskatchewan and travelled by car to South Padre Island, Texas, on December 31.  We were extra careful on our entire 30+ hour trip, not interacting with anyone, not dining indoors (yes drive through only or curbside pickup), KN95 masks everywhere, running quickly into bathrooms (and only if not crowded).  We disinfected all rooms we were in, even though we arrived late each night (probably many hours after anyone had been in the room).  We did notice the "relaxation" of rules as we drove south, but we still felt much safer than friends who have spent countless hours in airports and planes (several of whom have tested positive).  We are in Texas now, enjoying the mild Gulf Coast weather and beaches, but still very cautious with distancing, masks, etc., as many here seem to ignore the fact that there's a pandemic.  Indoor restaurants are packed, many don't mask, and people still meet for events.  We are not looking forward to our border adventure going back at the start of March, but we're trying to not focus on something we can't do anything about right now.  Who knows how things will change by then??

Continue to have a good time and hopefully Canada will get smarter before your return.

[Ex-Airbalancer]

20 minutes ago, katiecat said:

Continue to have a good time and hopefully Canada will get smarter before your return.

Canada is already smart 🙄

[zook50]

We are very happy with our holiday here.  Even the cold days here are entertaining - they refer to Saskatchewan and Canada a lot, and blame their cold fronts on "Saskatchewan Screamers" and the "Siberian air" coming from Canada - LOL!! 

I certainly would appreciate Canada changing the border rule, especially for land travel.  In every other way, I feel Canada is making better decisions and has a smarter, more proactive attitude toward Covid and the preventative measures needed to protect itself.  At home, we have free, easy access to RAT's and are encouraged to use them regularly and have the necessary restrictions in place, depending on cases and hospitalizations.   We were given timely vaccines, etc.  Most people mask properly and social distance.  Here?  People are friendly and warm, but most are making choices re:  Covid that are definitely not smart.

[StanleyandGus]

48 minutes ago, zook50 said:

We are very happy with our holiday here.  Even the cold days here are entertaining - they refer to Saskatchewan and Canada a lot, and blame their cold fronts on "Saskatchewan Screamers" and the "Siberian air" coming from Canada - LOL!! 

I certainly would appreciate Canada changing the border rule, especially for land travel.  In every other way, I feel Canada is making better decisions and has a smarter, more proactive attitude toward Covid and the preventative measures needed to protect itself.  At home, we have free, easy access to RAT's and are encouraged to use them regularly and have the necessary restrictions in place, depending on cases and hospitalizations.   We were given timely vaccines, etc.  Most people mask properly and social distance.  Here?  People are friendly and warm, but most are making choices re:  Covid that are definitely not smart.

We cancelled our cruises- we would have left on Friday, but felt it was wiser not to go. The high in Regina today is -24, so I am a bit ambivalent about that!
 

Enjoy your sun, and stay safe!

[MaddyandMax]

On 1/14/2022 at 5:07 PM, Baseball1999 said:

We had 6 Family Members come back from being on the Mardi Gras where 3 tested positive on the cruise and 1 after. After several tests including the one at Pearson the other 2 were negative. The ones that were positive drove home. They were allowed to cross the border without a fine. They were given tests to do at home on Day 1 and Day 8. They were advised to quarantine for 10 days. They were called by Health Canada and 1 also got a visit at the house. As long as you follow the quarantine rules you should be good. 

May I ask when this was? I understand this new fine rules JUST took affect.  But this is hopeful!

 

I feel like if you are truthful, friendly and have a good quarantine plan in place with proof most officials would not fine a Canadian.

[CruisinFinsUp]

On 1/19/2022 at 10:00 AM, MaddyandMax said:

May I ask when this was? I understand this new fine rules JUST took affect.  But this is hopeful!

 

I feel like if you are truthful, friendly and have a good quarantine plan in place with proof most officials would not fine a Canadian.

 

New rules today.  Can't come in with a positive test until 11 days after the positive- anything sooner you have to pay fines of over $5000 + surcharges.     Rather un Canadian, no? 

[wendycook22]

I have a friend currently in Las Vegas, that has tested positive today with her family, and will be driving home to cross the border on Sunday.  she is going to keep me in the loop on her experience. I will report back on her experience (granted YMMV - but it will be a recent experience).  

[archer_310]

My understanding is that the $5000 fine is for not having the ArriveCan app filled out or no quarantine plan ready.  We crossed the land border on the 11th.  My wife had tested positive just before we left for home.  She had to isolate for 10 days.  My son and I had to isolate for 14 days and do a day 8 test, which she did not have to do.  I'm still waiting for my day 8 test results.  If it turns out to be positive, I'm unsure of what rules I'm supposed to follow, but I feel I will follow my province which says I would have to isolate for 5 days.  We have a cruise planned for March break and are still planning on going at this point.  Biggest hurdle is trying to get tested before coming home.

[bookbabe]

.

Edited January 22, 2022 by bookbabe
Double post

[bookbabe]

36 minutes ago, archer_310 said:

We have a cruise planned for March break and are still planning on going at this point.  Biggest hurdle is trying to get tested before coming home.

If you have positive PCR-type test results from this trip, ie not antigen, you can use those test results to get back into Canada for the next six months without retesting.

[broberts]

59 minutes ago, archer_310 said:

My understanding is that the $5000 fine is for not having the ArriveCan app filled out or no quarantine plan ready.  We crossed the land border on the 11th.  My wife had tested positive just before we left for home.  She had to isolate for 10 days.  My son and I had to isolate for 14 days and do a day 8 test, which she did not have to do.  I'm still waiting for my day 8 test results.  If it turns out to be positive, I'm unsure of what rules I'm supposed to follow, but I feel I will follow my province which says I would have to isolate for 5 days.  We have a cruise planned for March break and are still planning on going at this point.  Biggest hurdle is trying to get tested before coming home.

 

From today's (it changes frequently) https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada#proof

 

"Positive results on your pre-entry test

A positive pre-entry test result within 72 hours of your planned entry is not a valid test result for entry to Canada. 

...

Canadians: To avoid being fined $5,000 per traveller (plus surcharges), wait to enter Canada until the 15th day (starting January 15, 2022, 11th day) after your positive test result. "

 

As a result one cannot properly complete the ArriveCan form.

[CKCruising]

1 hour ago, archer_310 said:

My understanding is that the $5000 fine is for not having the ArriveCan app filled out or no quarantine plan ready.  We crossed the land border on the 11th.  My wife had tested positive just before we left for home.  She had to isolate for 10 days.  My son and I had to isolate for 14 days and do a day 8 test, which she did not have to do.  I'm still waiting for my day 8 test results.  If it turns out to be positive, I'm unsure of what rules I'm supposed to follow, but I feel I will follow my province which says I would have to isolate for 5 days.  We have a cruise planned for March break and are still planning on going at this point.  Biggest hurdle is trying to get tested before coming home.

You need to follow the instructions from the border.  The longest quarantine is the applicable one (as per Ontario Health when we phoned and asked the same question).  

[CruisinFinsUp]

On 1/21/2022 at 3:03 PM, wendycook22 said:

I have a friend currently in Las Vegas, that has tested positive today with her family, and will be driving home to cross the border on Sunday.  she is going to keep me in the loop on her experience. I will report back on her experience (granted YMMV - but it will be a recent experience).  

According to the brand new rules, the only way across with a positive test less than 11 days prior is to pay the $5000 fine + surcharges = $6500 pp. 

 

Are they aware of this?

[wendycook22]

5 hours ago, CruisinFinsUp said:

According to the brand new rules, the only way across with a positive test less than 11 days prior is to pay the $5000 fine + surcharges = $6500 pp. 

 

Are they aware of this?

I sent them the link….and mentioned the possibility of facing fines.  They are of the mind that if the border mentions the requirement to pay fines they will then request to return to the US to quarantine.  You can lead a horse to water….

[Sprocket]

I am booked to for a 20 night cruise out of Fort Lauderdale end of February.  Princess recently updated their website with the following:   

UPDATED: What if I test positive at disembarkation while being tested as a requirement for re-entry to my home country?

Change fees and reasonable expenses related to shoreside quarantine and travel home for you and your immediate travel party will be covered by Princess if not reimbursable from travel protection plan or other responsible party.

Additionally, any shoreside meals will be covered through Princess by a per diem meal allowance. We will provide a dedicated Family Assistance liaison for care and logistical shoreside support and provide assistance opening insurance claims for those guests who purchased travel protection.

If you are unable to travel, our Family Assistance department will coordinate lodging and insurance support.

 

I have also found insurance that just covers Covid for a very reasonable cost and will cover me even if I test positive before I leave.   Also found another one to supplement for any other disruptions or illness.  My own health insurance is $500,000 and Covid is treated as any other illness so I feel pretty comfortable with the levels of insurance I will be travelling with.  My main concern with coverage was quarantining if I tested positive and I've read of recent positives on disembarking and Princess stepped up and covered hotels and meals.  

 

Our family managed to avoid Covid until the last month or so, one of my grandsons, my son's mother in law and my son have all had positive results fortunately all had cold like symptoms.

 

I cruised 15 nights in December and drove across the border and was given a self administered test on my return which had to be done the next day, fortunately I tested negative with results in under 24 hours.  I did consider cancelling but unless they close the border again I have decided I will be going.

Edited January 23, 2022 by Sprocket

[A&L_Ont]

16 hours ago, CruisinFinsUp said:

According to the brand new rules, the only way across with a positive test less than 11 days prior is to pay the $5000 fine + surcharges = $6500 pp. 

 

Are they aware of this?

l’ve read  $6,200 in a few different articles. Once you hit 5K what a bit more.  🤷‍♂️

Edited January 23, 2022 by A&L_Ont

[lx200gps]

12 hours ago, wendycook22 said:

I sent them the link….and mentioned the possibility of facing fines.  They are of the mind that if the border mentions the requirement to pay fines they will then request to return to the US to quarantine.  You can lead a horse to water….

I believe that technically, the fine is not for entering Canada without the proper test results, the fine is for ATTEMPTING to enter Canada without the proper test results. So if your friends so much as present themselves to a CBSA land crossing, they will be deemed to have attempted to enter Canada without proper paperwork and would be subject to the fine.  They had better research this very carefully, I'm pretty sure their understanding is incorrect. After all, the news media up here have reported a number of cases of people being hit with these outrageous fines, why would they have not tried to simply turn around and head back to the US?

Edited January 23, 2022 by lx200gps

[wendycook22]

43 minutes ago, lx200gps said:

I believe that technically, the fine is not for entering Canada without the proper test results, the fine is for ATTEMPTING to enter Canada without the proper test results. So if your friends so much as present themselves to a CBSA land crossing, they will be deemed to have attempted to enter Canada without proper paperwork and would be subject to the fine.  They had better research this very carefully, I'm pretty sure their understanding is incorrect. After all, the news media up here have reported a number of cases of people being hit with these outrageous fines, why would they have not tried to simply turn around and head back to the US?

I have provided them with the link, informed them to view it before returning for updates.  She does not want to stay in the US quarantining with her family (2 boys under the age of 10).  She is an adult and has made her decision. There is not much I can do, I can’t force her hand in changing her decision. I told her they have wording which indicates fines with a positive result entry prior to day 11. 
 

i have even provided them with a CBSA number.  What more can I do.  I just asked them to keep me in the loop.  I will share their experience.

Edited January 23, 2022 by wendycook22

[zook50]

1 hour ago, wendycook22 said:

I have provided them with the link, informed them to view it before returning for updates.  She does not want to stay in the US quarantining with her family (2 boys under the age of 10).  She is an adult and has made her decision. There is not much I can do, I can’t force her hand in changing her decision. I told her they have wording which indicates fines with a positive result entry prior to day 11. 
 

i have even provided them with a CBSA number.  What more can I do.  I just asked them to keep me in the loop.  I will share their experience.

We are in a similar situation with SK friends of ours who are staying in Palm Springs while we are in Texas.  We all drove down here, and, within a few days, noticed the change to border entry for travellers.  We immediately told the others who are here with us and also passed on the information to our Palm Springs friends (and other Saskatchewanians who drove to various US holiday spots).  All of them thoroughly checked it out and will be prepared.  We also sent the info to non-retired, still working friends and families planning holidays.  They put plans on hold, as needed.  Sadly, one couple in Palm Springs thinks this is fake news.  We have sent them all the pertinent information from the Govt. of Canada travel pages, and they still don't believe it as they "haven't seen it all over mainstream news".  All we can do is hope they don't test positive! 

[CKCruising]

4 hours ago, wendycook22 said:

I have provided them with the link, informed them to view it before returning for updates.  She does not want to stay in the US quarantining with her family (2 boys under the age of 10).  She is an adult and has made her decision. There is not much I can do, I can’t force her hand in changing her decision. I told her they have wording which indicates fines with a positive result entry prior to day 11. 
 

i have even provided them with a CBSA number.  What more can I do.  I just asked them to keep me in the loop.  I will share their experience.

Who takes their kids under 10 to Las Vegas.  Obviously a bit judgement impaired already 😄

lol...j/k

[wendycook22]

11 minutes ago, CKCruising said:

Who takes their kids under 10 to Las Vegas.  Obviously a bit judgement impaired already 😄

lol...j/k

Yup, they dragged them around hit up the casinos, Zumanity, Burlesque show, introduced them to the “porn slippers” (people giving out escort cards on the strip) gotta teach the kids at some point right? LOL

 

They stayed off strip at a resort with great family pool/facilities (with shuttle service to the strip) took them to the avengers exhibit, Mandalay Bay aquarium, Town Square, etc. It was driving distance for them from Calgary, so they were able to avoid flights. 

Edited January 23, 2022 by wendycook22

[lots-of-km2]

19 hours ago, Sprocket said:

I have also found insurance that just covers Covid for a very reasonable cost and will cover me even if I test positive before I leave.   

 

Hi, just curious as to what company you went with for the Covid-specific coverage, if you don't mind saying.   Thanks.

 

Though I have very good travel health insurance coverage (thru work) for most situations, that coverage excludes anything pandemic- or endemic- related.   I want to find the best way to combine more than one insurance product so that I'm covered from multiple angles. Seems you've gone thru this exercise.  

 

(Mods, I realize that this may be off-topic from the OP, but it's a short aside, not a major diversion from the thread). 

[Sprocket]

22 minutes ago, lots-of-km2 said:

 

Hi, just curious as to what company you went with for the Covid-specific coverage, if you don't mind saying.   Thanks.

 

Though I have very good travel health insurance coverage (thru work) for most situations, that coverage excludes anything pandemic- or endemic- related.   I want to find the best way to combine more than one insurance product so that I'm covered from multiple angles. Seems you've gone thru this exercise.  

 

(Mods, I realize that this may be off-topic from the OP, but it's a short aside, not a major diversion from the thread). 

Hi its lengthy but has some good information.    

The cost of your COVID-19 Insurance Plan is $149.75  for 25  days, Worldwide coverage.

 

Benefit Highlights

• Policy maximum increased to $5,000,000
• Quarantine meals and accommodation benefit expanded to spouse and dependents and contact tracing
• Denied Boarding benefit clarified to include suspicion of having COVID-19
• Cruise ship travel is eligible for coverage, even with a
• Level 4 travel advisory in effect

 This is through tninsurance.com.  Here is her contact info may take a day or two to get a response.

Regards,

Natalia Tatchkova
Insurance Broker
Member of the Financial Advisors Association of Canada

 

We are connected wherever we are!
toll free 1-877-443-0101

tel. 416-493-0101

cell 416-458-4577
e-mail:  natalia@tninsurance.ca

Visit my website: www.TNinsurance.ca

 

NOTE: Allianz COVID-19 Insurance and Assistance Plan is a stand-alone policy which does not cover emergency medical expenses other than coronavirus related medical expenses. It may complement the traveler's existing emergency medical insurance plan which does not provide COVID-19 coverage

Your quote for Emergency Medical Insurance which would cover Non-COVID‑19 related medical conditions will be sent you by a separate email.  

 

Eligibility

To be eligible for this coverage you must meet the following conditions on the effective date of your policy:

a) be a Canadian resident;

b) be at least 15 days old;

c) be insured by a Canadian provincial government health insurance plan for the duration of the trip; and

d) you must have purchased your policy prior to departing on your trip or, if purchasing an extension, prior to the expiry date of your COVID-19 policy.

 

The non Covid one I found is actually not in effect with a travel advisory that was with PrimeLink but I will call them and see if they offer one that will work.  I may not need it but I'm not sure of the duration of the Princess coverage and what their limits are, and its not expensive for peace of mind IMO.  

 

 

[lots-of-km2]

Thanks, @Sprocket.   So it's Allianz  insurance company that is underwriting the Covid-only policy? 

Edited January 24, 2022 by lots-of-km2