Canadians have long enjoyed easy access to the United States. With a shared border, many cultural similarities, and a common language, it’s no surprise that Canada and the U.S. have such close ties.
But with the global pandemic and increased restrictions on travel, the question of whether Canadians can travel to the U. for business has become a bit more complicated.
What Does The U. Say?
The U.S government does not currently allow entry to non-essential travelers from Canada, including those travelling for business purposes. However, there are some exceptions for limited categories of travelers such as persons engaged in certain essential activities or those who qualify for specific visa waivers or exemptions from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
What Does Canada Say?
The Canadian government is discouraging all non-essential travel outside of Canada, including to the United States, in order to help contain the spread of COVID-19. This includes business trips and other forms of travel that may be considered essential in other countries but are not considered essential by Canadian authorities. However, there are some exceptions for persons traveling for specific purposes such as those engaged in essential cross-border trade activities or those who qualify for specific visa waivers or exemptions from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What Should I Do If I Need To Travel To The U.?
If you need to enter the United States for business purposes, you should contact your nearest U.S embassy or consulate for information about any applicable visa requirements or exemptions that may apply to your situation. You should also check with your local Canadian immigration authorities regarding any applicable exemptions that may be available from IRCC. Additionally, it is important to keep up-to-date on any changes in travel restrictions both inside Canada and across international borders as they can change quickly due to the evolving nature of the pandemic situation.
Conclusion: Despite recent restrictions on travel due to COVID-19, Canadians may still be able to travel to the United States for business purposes if they meet certain criteria and qualify for any relevant visa waivers or exemptions from either DHS or IRCC. Those interested in travelling should contact their nearest embassy or consulate and local immigration authorities in order to make sure they are aware of all applicable requirements before attempting any international trips during this time of heightened global caution and uncertainty surrounding international travel restrictions.