Vaxed and Packed – O Canada – The True North strong and free – of Border Restrictions?
Sixteen months and counting, since March 2020, the world’s largest international border crossing between Canada and the U.S. has been closed to non-essential travel. Is pressure and stress causing this legal wall to show signs of cracking?
On June 21, 2021, the Public Health Agency of Canada’s News Release confirmed that beginning July 5 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fully vaccinated travellers, who are permitted to enter Canada, will no longer be subject to the 14-day quarantine requirements when travelling by air, land or sea.
The Government of Canada’s websites make it clear that Canada’s approach to easing border measures for travellers is in full swing, at least for those persons fully vaccinated and permitted to enter at this time.
So who do you need to be and what do you need to have to finally enter Canada without having to hibernate for 14 days upon arrival to the True North and be allowed to be strong and FREE?
After July 5, 2021, at 11:59PM EST, Canadians, Permanent Residents and Persons registered under the Indian Act will be able to re-enter Canada without quarantining. U.S./Canadian dual citizens, temporary foreign workers, and an expanded list of foreigners, including some international students, professional athletes, immediate and extended family members entering to care for Canadians requiring medical support, or to attend funerals or end-of-life ceremonies, will also be allowed entry without requiring quarantine.
But don’t just get in your car and rush to the border, even if you’re a Habs fan and believe that the Quebec government will ease restrictions and allow you into the Bell Centre towatch the Montreal Canadians win the Stanley Cup – something a Canadian team (the Habs) has not accomplished since 1993.
But if you are a believer or you just want to go to Canada without quarantining, you can and should start preparing.
If you are allowed in, you must prove to the Canadian authorities (CBSA – Canada Border Service Agency) that you are complying with Canada’s entry requirements, and that includes:
- you are COVID asymptomatic
- Health Card (CDC – for Americans) evidencing that you are FULLY vaccinated
- Negative Covid-19 (PCR) test result within 48 hours of entry
- Negative Covid-19 test as performed by Health & Welfare Canada at the Border
- Quarantine Plan showing how/where you will quarantine for 14 days should it be necessary
- submit proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN smartphone application [does this not have to be done a certain period ahead of arrival?]
Remember, there are no changes to Canadian border and quarantine rules for travellers who are not fully vaccinated, and the Canadian Government’s website makes it clear that “Foreign nationals (including U.S. citizens) coming to Canada for non-essential reasons will be turned away at the border.”
Enrico A. Caruso is a Canadian and United States licensed lawyer specializing in cross-border matters.
