59 West, 21st Ave, Vancouver, BC, Canada
It is not easy travelling during this pandemic time, we all know that. But for some strong reason, we have to travel either domestically or internationally.
I have planned to visit my husband and daughter in Vancouver, BC, Canada since my husband got stroke in October 2020. As we all know that the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in March 2020 officially announced. I intended to spend time with my husband and daughter during the summer 2020, but my visa to Canada has expired in June 2020. I applied to renew my visa online. It took me about 256 days to get the new visa after all the required documents sent online except the biometric test must be in person in the closest representative of the Canadian Embassy.
After getting my visa there are another issues coming up which stopped us from travelling abroad. However, after all those troubles that we are facing to be safe and healthy, finally I have the chance to visit my family in Canada.
Here is the list you need to do for travelling abroad:
- You have to have passport
- Visa to enter the country. I have a multiple entry visa which is good for 5 years.
- Round-trip tickets (I booked my from KAYAK app), reasonable price.
- Fully vaccinated with two doses of Astra Zeneca (Sinovac is not accepted in Canada)
- PCR test must be negative. This is very confusing.
My advice for the PCR test in order that you won't get any trouble when you checking-in at the counter desk at the airport. When you checking-in at the airport, the officer at the airport ask you to show your passport, ticket, and now during this pandemic time, you need to show the following documents:
- the Result of your PCR test which must be Negative.
- the proof of your Vaccine written in your Vaccine Card (you can show them using the PeduliLindungi app within Indonesia only. You also can show them the hard-copy of your vaccines proofs.
- for travelling to Canada you have to download the app called ArriveCan which will record all your personal details related to your eligibility to enter Canada. This app record your trip for 72 hours. If your PCR test result doesn't meet the requirement 72 hours before your arrival in Canada, you will be banned checking-in for your boarding pass.
My personal experience with this PCR test which caused me a lot of troubles in Jakarta.
PCR test must be done 72 hours before departure according to the rules that I read, therefore I took my test 3 days before my departure which was in November 22, so I took the PCR test in November 19 (3 days before 22, right?). The result was Negative, I was super happy with the result. "Wow...I am ready to go"
I packed my bags, put all the hard copy documents (passport, vaccine proofs in English, tickets, PCR proof, address of my family in Canada, invitation letter to visit Canada, and pictures of my husband and daughter). I was so anxious, worried, excited, and nervous travelling during this pandemic era.
November 22nd, 2021
I checked-in at Domestic Departure at Ngurah Rai International airport, first my son dropped me at the International Departure area, but it was empty. One man came in informed us that there is no plane coming and going from the International terminal. Every passenger must go to Domestic terminal, so Putu took me to the Domestic terminal which is far from the International terminal.
When we got to the Domestic terminal, we have to scan travel document in the machine available next to the entrance door. In the machine we have to put our name, and NIK (No. KTP), and destination city. Click the button then it will tick "Green" if you do it correctly, take a picture of the "tick Green" part, then you can enter the door. The airport security guys check your ID card, and the eligibility of your entrance.
I went to the Garuda Counter to check in. I show my passport and soft-copy of my ticket in my HP, she did not ask for the PCR test. I was given my boarding pass with the seat No. 46 E aisle. Our Gate No. 1 C.
I waited there until we got call to board at 6:15 pm for taking off at 7:00 pm. It took one hour 30 minutes to get to Jakarta. My next flight was by Japan Airlines (JL 730) departed at 6:35 am, in November 23. I had a long layover at the airport Jakarta. I just had light meal, and slept on one of the long benches around the departure area. I slept okay there, I am an easy sleeper.
November 23rd, 2021
I woke up at 3:00 am to get ready to check in at 4:00 am at the JL 730 counter desk. I entered the line with full of confidence since I have filled in the ArriveCan app, and got the receipt of my summary of my arrival, PCR test result, vaccine proofs. However, when it was my turn to check in, they said that my PCR test result has expired, did meet the requirement for 72 hours before my arrival in Canada. I got panic, not knowing what to do. I tried to call Canada Airline to reschedule my departure, but only answering machine talked to me.
Panic and out of normal sense, I booked and bought a new round-trip ticket via Kiwi app. I got Asiana Airlines for departure in November 24th at 10:30 pm. What a long wait. It was still morning, no coffee, no meals, i just could not think right. I wandered around the airport asking about where I could get the PCR test. I went to the Farmalab downstair in Terminal 3 Ground floor. I was expecting a modern lab, but it was just a make-shift lab from a theatre stage.
