COVID-19 testing

Transport Canada requires that all guests entering Canada from international destinations, 5 years of age and over, present before boarding:

1. a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) test result
   
   OR
   
   
2. a positive COVID PCR test, taken between 14 and 90 days before scheduled departure.

The test will supplement, not replace, the requirements for health questionnaires, temperature checks and face masks.

To comply with this regulation, guests will be required to present a negative PCR or RT-LAMP test at check-in and Canada Customs, taken within 72 hours from their scheduled departure time. Please allow extra time to check in.

It is each guest’s responsibility to source and pay for their own valid PCR or RT-LAMP test.

Valid test results must include:

• Guest name and date of birth
• Address and name of the lab that administered the test
• Date and time the sample was taken
• The method of the test conducted (PCR or RT-LAMP)
• The test result

NOTE: A rapid antigen or antibody test will not be accepted. The test must be a molecular test such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test (this may be described as PCR, LAMP, RT-LAMP, NAA, NAAT).

WestJet is actively working to adhere to these recent requirements. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as new information becomes available.

Please visit travel.gc.ca for the most up to date and accurate information.

Government FAQs   See all requirements for entry to Canada Testing options

Testing in your destination

We’ve gathered a few places to start your search for a lab in your location, for information purposes only. We are unable to guarantee the quality or accuracy of the information provided. The details on these resources may change at any time and guests are encouraged to check back regularly.

US cities

Search for a lab or pharmacy in your US location

WestJet Vacation destinations

To assist our guests, a number of providers have advised that they are able to provide PCR tests to Canadians in the following locations:

Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Huatulco, Mazatlán, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, La Romana, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Barbados.

PCR testing facility information (PDF) In-hotel testing information (PDF)

Where to get a test in Canada: Alberta, BC, Ontario

Albertans requiring a test as an entry requirement for travel to international destinations can receive a DynaLIFE COVID-19 test at participating local pharmacies for a fee. Learn about DynaLIFE.

Guests in BC and Ontario who require a test as an entry requirement for travel to international destinations can receive a COVID-19 test from select LifeLabs locations.

Book a test in Ontario
See BC LifeLabs locations

Guests in Alberta, BC, or Ontario travelling on a WestJet operated flight to Hawaii, can avoid quarantine on arrival with an approved, negative COVID PCR test, taken within 72 hours of departure. If you have a multi-city flight, your test will need to be taken within 72 hours of the departure time for the flight that arrives in Hawaii, not your original departure location.

WestJet has partnered with DynaLife in Alberta and LifeLabs in BC and Ontario to offer State-of-Hawaii-approved testing. A test is not required for children under 5.

Labs & fees

• Guests in Alberta, book a DynaLIFE PCR test for a fee of $150
• Guests in Ontario, book a LifeLabs PCR test for a fee of $199 plus tax
• Guests in BC can book a PCR test for a fee of $250 plus tax at the following LifeLabs partner clinics:
• Bon Voyage Medical – Coquitlam, BC
• Iridia Medical – Vancouver, BC
• Care Point Medical Clinic – Vancouver, BC

To avoid quarantine when travelling to Hawaii, guests must:

1. Set up a Safe Travels Hawaii account for each travelling adult at travel.hawaii.gov
2. Take a PCR test at a DynaLIFE (AB), LifeLabs (ON) or LifeLabs (BC - see above) participating pharmacy or clinic location within 72-hours of their flight departing to Hawaii
3. Complete the Travel Health Questionnaire and upload a PDF copy of your negative PCR test results on Safe Travels within 24 hours of your flight departure to receive a personalized QR code
4. Display the Safe Travels QR code and negative PCR test result from DynaLIFE or LifeLabs during boarding
5. Complete the final screening process upon arrival into Hawaii by showing the personalized QR code, negative PCR test results, government ID, and be prepared to demonstrate their method of communication for the daily health check-in (i.e. cell phone)
6. Enjoy Aloha!

Even with a negative test result, as per Transport Canada, you’ll still need to wear a mask during your flight and comply with all existing COVID-19 requirements.

Rapid antigen tests will not be accepted for WestJet flights to Hawaii.

The University of British Columbia and Providence Health Care are conducting a voluntary clinical research study, sponsored by WestJet and Vancouver Airport Authority. The study is investigating a method of rapid-testing for COVID-19 for departing passengers prior to security screening at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

The voluntary study is open to WestJet guests on their day of travel who meet the following criteria:

• Between the ages of 19 and 90
• Residents of Canada who have access to accommodation for a 14-day period in the Vancouver area for safe-isolation as per public health guidelines, in the event that the test result is positive
• Ticketed for any WestJet flight
• Have a minimum of 70 minutes to participate if travelling on a domestic flight within Canada or 90 minutes to participate if travelling internationally or to the United States

You will not be eligible if you have previously tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 90 days and you do not provide written, informed consent.

Please note: if you are eligible, you must have a minimum of 70 minutes to participate; however, we recommend arriving at the airport no less than two hours before departure to allow for plenty of time for testing, check-in, bag drop and security. You will be required to wait 20-30 minutes for test results.

What if my rapid test is positive?

• You will be ineligible to travel and will be required to undergo further Health Canada-approved confirmatory testing to diagnose your COVID-19 status.
• You will receive an information pamphlet with details on when and how to rebook your flight. You will be able to reschedule or cancel your flight at no cost for yourself and any other members listed on your reservation.

What if my rapid test is negative?

• As per Transport Canada requirements, you’ll still need to wear a mask during your flight and comply with all existing COVID-19 requirements.

While we do not expect the testing to add much time to the airport journey, WestJet suggests arriving at the airport no less than two hours before departure to allow for plenty of time for testing, check-in, bag drop and security. Those who do not meet check-in, baggage drop or boarding cut-off times may be denied travel.

As a thank you, all participants of the study will be provided with a coupon code for 20% off a future WestJet flight upon completion of the test.

To register for the study, please click here.

Entering Canada 

Yes, the test needs to be taken within 72 hours of the original scheduled departure time so if your flight is delayed, your test will be accepted.  

Entering the United States 

Original flight

If the original departing flight in your trip is delayed before departure, you will need to get re-tested if the delay causes your test to fall outside of the 3-day pre-departure testing period by more than 24 hours. 

Connecting flight 

If a connecting flight is delayed before departure, you will need to get re-tested if the delay causes your test to fall outside of the 3-day pre-departure testing period by more than 48 hours. 

No, the WestJet travel insurance coverage administered by TuGo does not cover the costs associated with COVID-19 testing. However, if your test result is positive for COVID-19 you are covered assistance in your destination.

See full details of the coverage