Planning an international trip? The costs of necessary PCR tests could add up
With the United States border reopening to fully vaccinated travellers next month, residents in eastern Ontario are once again dreaming of that international getaway.
However, with the Canadian government requiring those entering the country to take a COVID-19 test before you land, that travel comes with an added cost.
As soon as she heard about travel restrictions easing, Kingston resident Katherine King jumped at the chance to book in her plans.
"Yesterday, we booked a cruise for next year," she says in an interview with CTV News Ottawa.
King knows she will need to pay for a negative test to get back home. Still, she says she is all in.
"I guess we’ll take it in as part of the cost of the trip and fun," she explains.
On Nov. 8, the U.S. will reopen its land border to fully vaccinated Canadians, but the federal government requires all Canadians 5 years of age or older to provide proof of a negative PCR test at the Canadian border.
Rapid tests, which are cheaper and quicker. are not accepted.
Patricia Marques, the director of sales a CAA North Eastern Ontario, says that it should be something you take into consideration, and that where you travel could mean different costs.
"You definitely need to budget for every single person that is travelling at this time," she explains.
For example, she says if you’re flying to Florida, you don’t need a test when you arrive in the state. However, you will need one to return, which can average $180 CDN at a pharmacy.
For a family of four, that can mean another $720 in travel-related costs.
A trip to a resort in Jamaica requires a rapid test to enter the country. Marques says that can average about $40 CDN per person, and to return, while the exchange rate means it’s a little over $1, the added cost for the PCR tests for a family of four can add another $240.
Flying to the United Kingdom, you’ll need a scheduled test after you land in the country. That can be about $120 per person. When you return to Canada, the PCR test can cost another $170 CDN per person. In all, that could add more than $1,100 to a family's trip.
Marques says with information changing daily, you should always check the Canadian government website.
"That site is fantastic because it goes through all the steps before and when you return about what Canadians need to know when they're travelling abroad," Marques explains.
Dr. Howard Njoo, Canada’s deputy chief public health officer, was asked on Friday why returning travellers still need a negative PCR test, even though the number of positive cases are very low.
"It’s less than one per cent," he says. "But if you look at the volumes of people increasing coming to Canada as a percentage, the actual true number of people coming would obviously be potentially increasing as well."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.