The federal government has announced plans to further ease COVID-19 restrictions at Canada’s borders starting next month. The decision was made thanks to a high vaccination rate, declining case counts, and reduced hospitalizations due to COVID-19.
As a first step, starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States to enter Canada, so long as they have received both vaccines 14 days prior.
Then, on Sept. 7, “provided that Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favourable,” the borders will be opened to fully vaccinated travellers from other countries.
According to the press release, Canada will also allow entry of unvaccinated children under 12 years of age, or unvaccinated dependent children (due to a mental or physical condition), who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently residing in the U.S. and who are accompanying a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor.
The government said fully vaccinated American travellers must:
Provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal) including proof of vaccination prior to departing for Canada (subject to limited exceptions).
Meet the pre-entry testing requirements.
Have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation ready to show a government official on request.
Be asymptomatic upon arrival.
To be eligible to enter Canada travellers must have received the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. These vaccines are approved in Canada: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).
(It should be noted that some provinces and territories may have their own entry restrictions in place; therefore it is recommend you check and follow both the federal and any provincial or territorial restrictions and requirements before travelling.)
Violating any quarantine or isolation instructions provided to travellers by a screening officer or quarantine officer when entering Canada is also an offence under the Quarantine Act and could lead to a $5,000 fine for each day of non-compliance or for each offence committed, or more serious penalties, including six months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines.
