Reports say the estimated $2,000 cost to travellers was an overshot, and costs to quarantine for up to three days is actually much lower.
The Canadian government has released a list of some of the hotels that are approved to host international air travellers for the mandatory quarantine requirement.
Starting February 22, international air travellers to Canada must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival. They must then await the results of this test in a government-approved facility for up to three days.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously announced the new measure to stop the spread of coronavirus in January. At that time he estimated the cost to travellers would be about $2,000.
However, the Canadian Press reports that the cost to travellers is actually much lower. Two hotels at Toronto Pearson International Airport declare that their mandatory quarantine programs go from $319 to $339 for a single person. The Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel, is reportedly going for $1,272 plus tax, which includes food for three days and for security.
Find out if you’re eligible for Canadian immigration
These hotels are situated in the four Canadian cities that are currently accepting international air travel at this time: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal. This is not the full list, as more will be finalized in the coming days, according to the government webpage.
List of government-authorized hotels for 3-day quarantine
Vancouver International Airport
- Westin Wall Centre Vancouver Airport
Calgary International Airport
- Acclaim Hotel
- Marriot Calgary Airport
Toronto Pearson Airport
- Alt Hotel Pearson Airport
- Four Points by Sheraton and Element Toronto Airport
- Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport
- Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport
Montréal Pierre-Elliot Trudeau International Airport
- Aloft Montreal Airport
- Crowne Plaza Montreal Airport
- Holiday Inn Express and Suites Montreal Airport
- Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal
How to book a hotel for mandatory quarantine
To book your stay, the Canadian government website says to call these designated phone numbers: 1-800-294-8253 toll-free from North America, and 1-613-830-2992 collect from outside North America. You will be able to make special requests, get information for pets, and address any other accessibility concerns.
The government will send you an email confirmation within four hours of booking.
Travellers are instructed to use the ArriveCan app to prove that they have made their reservation.
What are the new quarantine requirements for air travellers?
Before air travellers depart to Canada, they need to provide a COVID-19 test in order to board the plane. They will then be tested again once they arrive in Canada. As per the new measure going into effect on February 22, these travellers must wait for their test results in one of the previously mentioned government-approved hotels.
Once they get the results, they are instructed to carry out the rest of the mandatory 14-day quarantine in their homes. From there, they are supposed to take another COVID-19 test in the last few days of their quarantine. Testing kits and instructions will be provided before travellers leave the airport.
