|
|
While the Trudeau administration has announced it will open the border between the U.S. and Canada, the Biden administration has called for the land border between the two countries to remain closed on the American side.
President Biden has called for the border to remain closed for “non-essential” travel until at least August 21, and there are no promises his administration will relax the ban even then.
Canada announced it would open its borders on August 9 at 12:01 Eastern Time to vaccinated Americans engaged in “non-essential” travel. Canada closed the border to non-essential travel in March 2020 due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.
To be considered eligible to enter Canada, a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident must have received a complete set of vaccinations and have proof of those shots.
Canada Border Services Agency said examples of discretionary travel include, but are not limited to, hikes across the border, social events, such as birthday parties or weddings, camping, picking up a pet, visiting or checking on a seasonal residence, etc.
Suppose you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and are currently barred from going into Canada? In that case, this re-opening of travel restrictions won’t apply to you, and you will be turned away, even if you are fully vaccinated.
In a press release, Canada said its’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic would continue to prioritize the health and safety of Canadians. As vaccination, case counts, and hospitalization rates evolve, the Government of Canada will continue to consider further targeted measures at the borders—and when to lift or adjust them—to keep Canadians safe and the economy running.
On June 8, 2021, Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced the Northern Border Reopening Transparency Act.
That bill calls on the Biden administration to work with Canada in a transparent manner to re-open the border and establish a bilateral plan for travel between the two countries. Families separated by the border or business owners or homeowners who couldn’t access their property would also be helped by this bill if it passes. It has been referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, Committee on Ways and Means, Foreign Affairs, and Judiciary for a period that the Speaker of the House will determine.
In determining to keep the U.S. border closed, the Biden administration cited “the risk of continued transmission and spread of the virus associated with COVID-19 between the United States and Canada which poses an ongoing specific threat to human life or national interest.”
Meanwhile, Canada’s population is 52.7 percent fully vaccinated, while the U.S. is 48.7 percent fully vaccinated.
Before heading to the border, U.S travelers should be informed about their obligations.
The Government of Canada has a website to assist travelers in finding out if they can enter Canada and, if able to enter, what their public health obligations are.
Leave a Reply