Travelers from US and Canada were facing rigid travel restrictions by the state for about 16 months. It was vital to avoid the further spread of the coronavirus. But Canada opened the borders for vaccinated citizens of the US on Aug. 9. Canada also lifted the restrictions for other countries on Sep. 7.
The US decided to open its borders for Canada, Mexico, and other countries on Nov. 8. The world is now fighting with the Omicron variant, but on the other hand, US and Canada are keeping their borders open by setting new travel rules.
The onset of the Omicron variant is forcing many countries to refresh their travel restrictions. 17,350 cases of Omicron variant confirmed as of Dec. 17. Canada opened its air or land borders only to fully vaccinated US citizens.
Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared that Canada is at a high travel risk. The data from WHO and other reliable resources helped to make this decision. This article will inform you about the US to Canada travel guidelines. So, let’s get this started!
What’s In Canada For Us Citizens?
Canada offers many adventurous points to foreign tourists. Whether it’s bear watching in Ontario or snowboarding and skiing in rocks, Canada is an ultimate source of pleasure for visitors. In short, Canada is the first choice for US travelers who love to visit superb places. Canada offers some perfect sites for city breaks, which have first-rate food, culture, and entertainment on offer:
- Vancouver
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Quebec City
The covid-19 situation in Canada:
In mid-2021, there was a surprising improvement in the covid-19 situation of Canada. That’s why the current situation is stable enough, and the daily case count is about 3,200 in the country. Although, Canada is among the top economies to record Omicron variant cases. Still, Canada’s case count is just half of US cases.
As of Dec. 16, nearly 80% of the Canadian population is fully vaccinated, compared to 61% of US citizens. Right now, according to Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, the Omicron variant is responsible for an increase in case count.
Current Canada Border Restrictions Due To Covid-19:
Canada previously banned the entry of foreign citizens from several countries, including Botswana, South Africa, and Egypt.
Canada lifted these restrictions as of Dec. 18 and replaced them with other rules, which will be applicable for Canadians and US travelers. So, for now, travelers from the United States can enter Canada even for needless purposes, but they need to follow some strict Canada entry rules.
Most provinces of Canada devised rules to wear masks even in indoor environments. Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec are Canada’s most populated provinces. They revived their restrictions like:
- Closing of gyms.
- Closing of bars.
- Banned indoor gatherings.
- Restaurants’ capacity restrictions.
- Vaccination proof for entrance.
- Travelers must be fully vaccinated.
Canada Entry Rules For US citizens:
If US citizens want to enter or leave Canada, vaccination is compulsory in both cases. You will need to submit the proof of the vaccination and a negative molecular test (PCR) for Canadian border travel. You should also know that Canadian authorities will only consider the PCR, taken within 72 hours of your flight, while they won’t accept the rapid antigen test.
All visitors must submit their necessary information at the Arrive CAN website, including vaccination proof, contact, quarantine, and travel details. It is compulsory to submit this information within 72 hours of your arrival in Canada.
Besides all the tests and vaccination proofs, they will further test you upon your arrival through the plane, and you will need to stay quarantined before the coming of results. Even if US citizens arrive via boats, cars, ships, or trains, they still need to submit the necessary documents within 72 hours.
A negative PCR test is compulsory for all durations of trips to enter Canada. Canada accepts vaccines authorized by Pfizer Inc, BioNTech SE, Moderna Inc, Johnsons & Johnsons AstraZeneca PLC.
Canada also accepts the vaccines made by Chine. These vaccines include Sinopharm and Sinovac because WHO has approved them. US citizens should submit the report of one of the given vaccinations to enter Canada.
Visitor’s Travel Guidelines:
Here’s What You Need To Know About The Rules You’ll Have You Follow Within Canada
Even the covid-19 situation has become stable, wearing the mask is still mandated in some provinces. There is relaxing to enjoy social gatherings, travel, and indoor dining due to the rise in vaccination rate. But some of the provinces like Ontario and Alberts still require vaccination proof to enter many tourist venues.
For entering a small province of Canada, Prince Edward Island, outsiders apply for a pass in advance to visit the place, adopting strict covid-19 prevention rules. And most provinces have advised the people to maintain a distance of two meters to avoid further spread of covid-19.
Bottom Line:
Yes, you can enter Canada if you are a US citizen and there are no US travel restrictions, but you need to submit the vaccination and PCR test proof according to Canadian authorized rules. Upon your arrival to Canada, you will be further tested or probably quarantined for some time.
There are no more hurdles in your travel to Canada, you only need to make sure the wearing of a mask, keeping two feet distance in specific areas, and follow all the necessary Canada travel rules to enjoy a hassle-free journey.
Have a nice trip!
