Canada To Welcome Fully Vaccinated American Visitors In August 2021
Due to rising vaccination rates and lesser COVID-19 cases, Canada has officially set the date for the return of tourism. According to the Canadian government, borders will reopen to fully vaccinated American tourists on August 9, prior to opening its borders to international travelers from elsewhere in the world on September 7. Both are set to happen, as long as COVID-19 case rates remain low.
Canada reopening its borders
As reported by CNN Travel, there is good news for Americans wishing to visit Canada. Government officials said in a statement on Monday, “As a first step, starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.”
The statement continued, “This preliminary step allows for the Government of Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7, 2021, and recognizes the many close ties between Canadians and Americans.”
Update: As of September 7th, fully-vaccinated people from any country can come into Canada for non-essential travel. As a first step, fully-vaccinated Americans can do the same starting August 9th. At every step, the safety of Canadians will continue to be our top priority. https://t.co/UhnCDpUdW5
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 20, 2021
What is required of US visitors?
In order to be able to enter Canada, US visitors must have received their final dose of an accepted vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to departure. The vaccines that Canada will accept include Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Each visitor must upload proof of vaccination to the ArriveCan app prior to boarding their flight to Canada.
It will also be necessary for American visitors to present proof of a negative approved COVID-19 test, taken within 3 days of departure. However, as from August 9, no follow up tests will be required on arrival, as long as travelers are fully vaccinated. The only exception is visitors that will be randomly selected for health screening.
Canada and the COVID-19 pandemic
Canada closed its border to almost all Americans and foreign travelers in March 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, finally, the country is ready to open its doors after making excellent progress with its vaccination program, following months of delays. Canada’s official vaccine tracker reveals that 50 percent of the eligible Canadian population is now fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, 69 percent of Canadian residents have received at least the first dose.
Canada was in no hurry to reopen its borders. Health Minister Patty Hajdu, said in a statement, “Canadians’ safety and security always come first. With rising vaccination rates and fewer cases in Canada, we can begin to safely ease border measures.”
“A gradual approach to reopening will allow our health authorities to monitor the COVID-19 situation here and abroad,” she added.
Relaxation of border rules
July 5 saw Canada starting to relax some of its strict border rules, allowing fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents to enter Canada for non-essential purposes, along with foreign nationals heading to Canada for essential or approved purposes, to skip hotel quarantine.
However, there are still protocols in place until the updated system comes into place. Arrivals will still be required to meet certain public health measures up until August 9, including the presentation of proof of full vaccination. They will also need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result prior to travel, as well as taking another test on arrival.
It should be noted, however, that while Canada is ready to reopen its borders to Americans in August, the US government is yet to announce plans to reciprocate. As things stand right now, the US will continue with its own border restrictions with Canada.
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