Canada is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cities. However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people are wondering if the Canadian border is currently open for tourism. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the current situation and what you need to know before planning a trip to Canada.
Is the Canada-US Border Open?
The Canada-US border has been closed to non-essential travel since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure has been extended several times and is currently in place until at least July 21st, 2021. Essential travel, such as for work or medical reasons, is still allowed but non-essential travel for tourism purposes is not permitted.
What About International Travelers?
International travelers from countries other than the United States are also currently not allowed to enter Canada for tourism purposes. However, there are some exceptions for certain individuals such as Canadian citizens and permanent residents, immediate family members of Canadians, and people traveling for essential reasons such as work or study.
What Are the Entry Requirements?
Even if you qualify for entry into Canada as a tourist or essential traveler, there are certain requirements that must be met before arrival. These include:
- Proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival
- Submitting travel information via the ArriveCAN app or website before arriving in Canada
- Completing a quarantine period of 14 days upon arrival (even if you have no symptoms)
There are some exemptions to the quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers who meet certain criteria.
What’s Next?
While the situation surrounding COVID-19 is constantly changing, it’s important to stay up-to-date on any developments related to travel restrictions and entry requirements. You can check the Government of Canada’s website for the most current information.
Conclusion
In summary, the Canadian border is currently closed for non-essential travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Essential travel and some exceptions for entry into Canada are allowed but require meeting certain requirements such as quarantine and negative COVID-19 tests. As always, it’s important to stay informed and follow any guidelines or regulations in place to ensure the safety of yourself and others.