Do I need another PCR test in Transit stop?

[immi2grate]

I am planning to fly from Pakistan end of August and had an option to fly through New York City. If I buy separately from different airlines for KHI > NYC and NYC > YYZ will I need to get another PCR test in NYC even if my 72 hour period from the test used for departing from KHI is not expired?

 

[Naturgrl]

Yes.

If you're flying to Canada, you must take a test within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time of your flight to Canada. Airlines will refuse boarding to travellers who are unable to provide a valid molecular test result.

• If you have a connecting flight:
  • the test must be conducted within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time of your last direct flight to Canada (your last direct flight to Canada is the US, not Pakistan)
  • you may need to schedule the test in your transit city

 

[ahm756]

You don't need to take another test if your results are still valid within 72 hours from NYC > YYZ. I traveled recently and didn't take a test during transit.

 

[steaky]

You don't need to take another test if you're results are still valid within 72 hours from NYC > YYZ. I traveled recently and didn't take a test during transit.

Can you provide more details about your flights? This might help alot of people.

 

[ahm756]

Can you provide more details about your flights? This might help alot of people.

Sure! So I flew from my home country to Dubai and from there to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). Here's how it went:

- I took the PCR test on Thursday, July 14, in my home country.
- Boarded flight from home country to Dubai on Saturday, July 16.
- 2 hours transit stop in Dubai airport
- Boarded flight (morning of July 16) from Dubai to YYZ using the same PCR test.
- Arrived at YYZ on July 16 (evening).

The same PCR test was valid throughout the whole journey. And the most important thing is that your test should've been taken within the last 72 hours of every flight that you board, including the last direct flight to Canada (in my case, it was Dubai to YYZ). If it passes the 72-hour duration, then your test is invalid and that's when you need to take a new one.

To summarize: if your first PCR test will be valid when arriving in Canada (e.g it was taken within the last 72 hours), then you don't need to take a new test at the transit country. On Canada's website, it says that it has to be valid when boarding the last flight to Canada, but just to be safe, make sure that it's also valid when you land in Canada.

I hope this will help.

 

[Kunglao]

You don't need to take another test if your results are still valid within 72 hours from NYC > YYZ. I traveled recently and didn't take a test during transit.

@ahm756 :

Do you know If I can fly to Canada from a location that is different from where my application was submitted and work permit visa was issued? Thanks in anticipation