As of June 9th, 2020, Canada has put in place travel restrictions at all of its borders in order to slow the spread of Covid-19. All non-essential travel into Canada is prohibited, and those who are allowed in must self-isolate for 14 days. These measures are expected to be in place for the foreseeable future.
as of april 6th, 2021, canada has banned travellers from the u.k., south africa and brazil because of the new covid-19 variants. canada is also urging all travellers to get tested for covid-19 before and after their trip.
What are the restrictions on traveling to Canada?
As of April 19, 2021, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for travellers entering Canada. Pre-board testing is not required, except for travellers entering Canada by marine mode, who must take a COVID-19 test within 3 days of their arrival in Canada. Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required. Using ArriveCAN is not required, but recommended.
There are no entry requirements related to COVID-19 for US citizens at this time. You do not need a negative test or to self-isolate upon arrival.
Do you have to be vaccinated to enter Canada
At this time, Canada does not require vaccination for entry into the country. However, other countries may have their own requirements for entry, so it is important to review the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to before you depart.
As of March 18, 2020, all travellers entering Canada by air, land or sea must present a negative COVID-19 test result to the airline, ferry, train or bus operator. If you do not have a test, you will be denied boarding.
As of February 22, 2021, all travellers 5 years of age or older entering Canada by air must have a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of recovery from COVID-19.
If you have a positive test result or do not have a negative test result or proof of recovery, you will be denied boarding.
What do I need to enter Canada from the US?
As a US citizen, you will need to present a valid US passport, passport card, or NEXUS card in order to enter Canada. Children under the age of 16 only need to present proof of US citizenship. Canadian law requires all persons entering the country to carry proof of citizenship and identity.
As of April 26, 2022, all lawful permanent residents of the United States must show a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States) in order to travel to Canada. This requirement will be in effect as of December 5, 2022.
Is Canadian border open to US citizens?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need to provide proof of citizenship and identity when you enter Canada. This can include a U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. You do not need a visa if you are staying in Canada for less than 180 days.
There are a limited number of exceptions where you are not required to show proof of a negative or a previous positive test for COVID-19. These exceptions include children who are under 2 years of age. Children who are 2 years old on the day of their travel must have proof of a COVID-19 test in order to be exempt from the testing requirement.
What documents do I need to cross the US border from Canada by car
A valid passport, a Trusted Traveler Program card, or an enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a US approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented, is required to enter the United States by land or sea.
If you are a traveller arriving in Canada and are symptomatic, you may be referred to a designated quarantine facility. This is done at the direction of a quarantine officer.
Can a US resident travel to Canada by car?
As of April 26, 2022, all lawful permanent residents of the United States must show a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States) when traveling to Canada by any means. This requirement is in addition to any other documents that may be required for travel to Canada.
It is mandatory to quarantine for 14 days, provide contact information and monitor yourself for signs and symptoms of illness as required by the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations). Your compliance with the requirements below is subject to verification and enforcement.
Can you fly unvaccinated in Canada
As of April 19, 2021, all travellers who are symptomatic of COVID-19, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, will not be allowed to fly. The Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination is a reliable way for Canadians to show their COVID-19 vaccination history when they travel.
An EDL/EIC is a credential that proves that you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. It is required to enter Canada from the United States at a land border crossing or airport. The NEXUS card is a trusted traveler program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to expedited border crossings between Canada and the United States. The FAST card is used by commercial truck drivers who participate in the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program. This program is designed to speed up the border crossing process for participating commercial trucking companies. Canadian citizenship cards are issued to Canadian citizens as proof of their citizenship. A Certificate of Indian Status is issued to eligible First Nations and Inuit people in Canada as proof of their status.
What can I use instead of a passport to get into Canada?
If you don’t have any of the above forms of identification, you will not be able to board a flight to Canada.
If you are returning to your habitual place of residence after carrying out an everyday function that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involves entering the United States, you are exempt from mandatory quarantine.
Conclusion
Currently, Canada has strict travel restrictions in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. All non-essential travel into and out of Canada is banned, and Canadians are being advised to avoid all non-essential travel within the country. These restrictions are expected to remain in place until at least February 21, 2021.
Overall, Canada has fairly lenient travel restrictions in place. For the most part, any person with a valid passport and visa can enter the country. There are some exceptions to this rule, however, such as people with a criminal record or those who have been previously deported from Canada.
