Both the Canadian and American governments applied travel restrictions on March 21 for all non-essential travel over the Canada-U.S. border – these restraints were made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant travel across the border for tourism and recreation were no longer permitted while these restrictions were in place.
The Canadian Border Services Agency advised American travellers they would be returned to the U.S. if they attempted to arrive in Canada for non-essential travel. Non-essential travel as defined by the CBSA included visiting family, friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, fiancés, attending parties, celebrations or going to restaurants for take-out meals.
Also, American travellers were advised not to cross the border if they were using Canada as a shortcut to get to a U.S. destination quicker. Moreover, American visitors crossing the border for sightseeing, fishing, hunting or checking on cottages or seasonal homes would not be allowed in this country for the foreseeable future.
Likewise, Canadian travellers were reminded of a 30-day restriction for non-essential travel into the U.S. for tourism, recreation and entertainment.
At this point, because of the volatility of COVID-19, travel restrictions for both Americans and Canadians might possibly be extended beyond 30 days.
Healthy individuals are still allowed to cross the border for essential travel purposes. Essential travel purposes as defined by both the Canadian and American governments include work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and employment within supply chains. Shopping for essential goods such as medication, items for health and safety and immediate medical care is still permissible.
The CBSA further reminded Canadians that if they returned to Canada from any foreign destination, they must self-isolate for 14 days, meaning social gatherings and shopping ventures are not allowed upon returning to the country. The CBSA said they were dedicated to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Canada, so they reminded travellers not to engage in travelling for non-essential purposes at this time.
Foreign nationals, excluding those arriving from the U.S., are currently not allowed entry into Canada. Yet, there are exemptions for foreign nationals who are disembarking from other countries. Some of these travel exemptions into Canada have included immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Immediate family members as defined by the government incorporates spouses, common-law partners, dependent children of the person, a person’s spouse or common-law partners, a dependent child of a dependent child, parents or step-parents and guardians or tutors.
Additionally, holders of valid work or study permits are still authorized to arrive in Canada. People who’ve applied and been approved for permanent residence before 12 pm EDT on March 18, 2020 are also sanctioned to enter the country.
Since March 30, every passenger flying within Canada has been subjected to health checks prior to boarding airlines for domestic travel. Passengers displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are refused on passenger airlines, if they have displayed symptoms of COVID-19, or have medical complications related to COVID-19.
