Canada Announces Easing of Border Measures for Fully Vaccinated Travelers

As announced on Monday, July 19, the government of Canada has outlined the steps to reopen the country’s border and the forthcoming adjusted border measures.

Key Highlights
  • From August 9, 2021, Canada will welcome American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.
  • From September 7, 2021, Canada’s borders will open to all fully vaccinated travelers.

The “soft-opening” for US travelers allows Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7, 2021.

  • The 3-night government authorized hotel stay requirement will be eliminated for all travelers arriving by air as of 12:01 A.M. EDT on August 9.
  • All travelers must use ArriveCAN (app or web portal) to submit their travel information. If they are eligible to enter Canada and meet specific criteria, fully vaccinated travelers will not have to quarantine upon arrival in Canada.
  • Airport availability will expand to include Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and, from August 9, Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, and Edmonton International Airport.
Eligibility
  • Travelers must have completed the full course of vaccination with an accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada.
What to Expect
  • All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, are required to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test result.
  • From August 9, fully vaccinated travelers will not need a post-arrival test unless they have been randomly selected to complete a Day 1 COVID-19 molecular test. There are no changes to the mandatory testing requirements for unvaccinated travelers.
  • Fully vaccinated travelers who meet the requirements will be exempt from quarantine; however, all travelers must still provide a quarantine plan and be prepared to quarantine, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet the necessary requirements.

 

The above plan is subject to change based on the national and international epidemiological situation.

 

Erickson Immigration Group will continue to send updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.