On Monday, the Canadian Government announced that they would be easing border restrictions, allowing eager travelers to visit once again. The reason for the change is due to rising vaccination rates and declining COVID cases. Their re-opening will be a two-phase approach.
When Can Americans Visit Canada?
According to their announcement, Canada plans on opening its borders on August 9th, 2021, to American citizens and permanent residents living in the U.S. To cross into Canada, you must be fully vaccinated with a Canadian-approved vaccine, no less than 14 days before entering Canada.
The border will open, “provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favourable.” In other words, unless their COVID-19 infections spike, they will open their border to Americans on August 9th. The Canadian Government stated that it recognizes the close relationship between America and Canada, which is why the border will open to Americans first. It also allows them to make any needed adjustments before opening to the rest of the world.
When Will Canada Open to the World?
Canada plans on opening its border to the rest of the world on September 7th, 2021, barring any uptick in COVID-19 cases. All travelers must use the ArriveCAN system and submit their travel plans before their trip. Canada is also opening five more airports to accommodate the increase in travel. Starting September 7th, (August 9th for Americans), travelers will be able to fly into the following nine Canadian airports:
- Calgary International Airport
- Edmonton International Airport
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport
- Montréal-Trudeau International Airport
- Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport
- Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Vancouver International Airport
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
Is It Safe to Travel to Canada?
Canada is a level three (high risk) country according to the CDC. That does not mean travelers are prohibited from traveling to or from Canada; it does mean that travel is not recommended for the unvaccinated. Approximately 69% of Canadians are at least partially vaccinated. They had just over 6,000 cases in the last 14 days, equal to about 16 cases per 100,000. The rise in vaccinations is one of the key factors in Canada's decision to reopen.
📌Pro-tips: Check every country's vaccination and testing requirements before your trip. Download the Skip app and let us assist you with your TSA PreCheck enrollment.
Related Articles:
Why Your Passport Renewal Could Derail Your Vacation Plans
Travel Update: Maui Mayor Is Asking Airlines To "Pause" Flights To Hawaii