Canada has extended the travel restrictions in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
Travel continues to be restricted from all countries, including the U.S., through to June 21.
The Canadian border closed for non-essential travel more than one year ago. For the first time since, an end to the travel restrictions is in sight.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on May 18, that the southern border with the U.S. may reopen once three quarters of Canadians are vaccinated.
“We’re all eager to get back to normal, but we know that before we get back to normal, cases need to be under control and over 75 per cent of people need to be vaccinated,” he said at a news conference.
According to the COVID-19 tracker website, developed by a University of Saskatchewan student, more than 46 per cent of Canadians have received their first dose of the vaccine.
Discussions underway to reopen Canada-U.S. border
The Canadian government began preliminary talks about reopening the Canada-U.S. border, according to Bloomberg.
Discussions are just getting started, and the reopening of the border is not yet imminent. It would depend on the number of COVID-19 cases in both countries, and the percentage of the population that is vaccinated.
Bloomberg reports the two countries may adopt a new system that allows vaccinated people to travel between Canada and the U.S. without having to get a COVID-19 test or quarantine for 14 days.
Who can travel to Canada?
Canada is still maintaining the flow of essential trade and travel. The travel restrictions are only in place for non-essential travel, such as for entertainment, shopping or tourism.
At the moment, certain individuals are exempt from the travel restrictions. This includes Canadians, permanent residents, and their family members.
In addition, certain temporary foreign workers, as well as international students attending a learning institution with a COVID-19 readiness plan are also exempt.
Protected persons and those who wish to come to Canada for a compassionate reason may also be exempt.
Traveler requirements
Travelers coming to Canada are required to show a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours before arriving in Canada.
They will also need to take another test when they arrive. Travelers will have to quarantine in a government-approved hotel for three days until their results come out.
Anyone coming to Canada will need to quarantine for 14 days. The three day hotel stay can count towards your 14 day requirement. Compassionate travelers may apply to be released early from quarantine to attend a funeral, or to care for a loved one.
