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The Government of Canada has announced the details of the first phase to easing border measures for some travelers entering Canada.
Beginning July 5, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fully vaccinated travelers who are permitted to enter Canada will not be subject to the federal requirements or have to take a COVID-19 test on day eight. In addition, fully vaccinated travelers arriving by air will not be required to stay at a government authorized hotel.
However, it is important to note that travel restrictions remain in place for all foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, seeking to travel to Canada for discretionary (non-essential) or optional travel – such as tourism and recreation.
Travelers to Canada must have been vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival and be able to prove that they have received vaccines manufactured either by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIED, or Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).
Examples of optional or discretionary travel include, but are not limited to, hikes across the border, social events, such as birthday parties or weddings, boating across the border, camping, picking up a pet, visiting or checking on a seasonal residence, etc. U.S. citizens without a right of entry to Canada or who are not otherwise eligible to enter Canada under the travel restrictions, attempting to visit Canada for an optional reason will be turned away at the border, even if they are fully vaccinated.
Before heading to the border, U.S travelers should be informed and know 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 are their public health obligations. On the internet, search “Find out if you can enter Canada.”
The Government of Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic will 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.
Some quick facts:
*For all travelers coming to Canada, planning to ensure all mandatory requirements are met is crucial. In addition, some provinces and territories may have their own entry restrictions in place. Check and follow both the federal and any provincial or territorial restrictions and requirements before travelling.
*Fully vaccinated travelers who wish to be considered for the eased quarantine and testing requirements must meet all criteria, including the electronic submission of their vaccination documentation, in English or French, into ArriveCAN prior to arrival at the port of entry.
*A person who submits false information on vaccination status could be liable to a fine of up to $750,000- or six-months imprisonment or both, under the Quarantine Act, or prosecution under the Criminal Code for forgery. Violating any quarantine or isolation instructions provided to travelers 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. Noncompliant air travelers may also be subject to fines of up to $5,000 for each offence committed under the Aeronautics Act.
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