US-Canada border restrictions extended to July 21; measures for fully vaccinated to be announced June 21

Announcement on travel measures for fully vaccinated Canadians expected Monday, June 21

US-Canada border in Detroit

The U.S.-Canada border travel restrictions have been extended another month to July 21.

The non-essential international travel restrictions were set to expire on June 21 but will now be extended a month. However, Canada Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said measures for fully vaccinated Canadians, permanent residents, and others permitted to enter Canada will be announced Monday, June 21.

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“As we have said, the government is planning measures for fully vaccinated Canadians, Permanent Residents, and others who are currently permitted to enter Canada and will provide further details on Monday, June 21,” reads a statement from Blair.

According to a CBC News report this week, Canada’s federal government is planning to roll out the first phase of its COVID vaccine certification program for travelers entering the country as soon as next month.

“The app will allow travelers to take a photo or upload a snapshot of their vaccine documentation into the app before going through customs, the source said,” reads the CBC report.

Canada is taking a phased approach to reopening its international border. The federal government announced earlier this month that fully vaccinated residents and permanent Canadian residents crossing the border into Canada will no longer be required to stay at a hotel during their quarantine.

“Exemptions for fully vaccinated travelers who are eligible to enter Canada are expected in early July. Current travel restrictions still apply,” reads a statement from the Canadian government this week.

Those restrictions include testing and quarantine requirements. Canada-U.S. border restrictions have been in place since March 2020. The current non-essential travel restrictions will now remain in place until at least July 21, but officials say there will be exemptions for fully vaccinated Canadians.

In December 2020, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the ban on nonessential travel with the United States will not be lifted until COVID-19 is significantly more under control around the world.

The Canadian Border Services Agency has a checklist for those to find out if they are eligible to drive to Canada. To find out if you can enter Canada, go here.

Related: Canada-US families split by COVID border closure push for easing of restrictions


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