Canada and the United States Prepare To Open Borders
August 6, 2021
written on behalf of Feigenbaum Law
As more and more people become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 people on both sides of the US-Canada border, particularly those who travel for work or maintain homes in each country, are looking forward to being able to travel across the border more easily. However, while restrictions are easing, border mobility is still much more difficult than in years past. We wanted to take some time in this week’s blog to update our readers with what the latest news is in relation to cross-border travel.
United States to require vaccination to enter
Just last week, Global News reported that the Biden administration is looking to require nearly all visitors from outside of the country to be vaccinated against COVID-19. While a specific timeline has not yet been introduced, there are interagency working groups studying how such a plan can be put into place.
Currently, people are able to enter the United States provided they have not been to certain areas hit hard by the Delta variant of COVID-19 within the previous two weeks, including China, parts of Europe, the UK, Ireland, Brazil, South Africa, and India. Additionally, all travelers to the United States must test negative for COVID-19 within three days of arriving by air. At present, Canadians are able to fly, but not drive to the United States.
An additional consideration for Canadians who are fully vaccinated is that the United States does not currently recognize two vaccines (AstraZeneca or a mix of it with mRNA) that have been approved in Canada.
Canada announces an open border for Americans
Meanwhile, on the Canadian side of the border, the government announced that it will be easing border restrictions. The news, which arrived a few weeks ago, stated that as of August 9, Canada plans to allow entry to American citizens and permanent residents who currently reside in the United States and have been fully vaccinated (by vaccines approved in Canada) for at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. This applies to non-essential travel.
This is a lead-up to a wider border opening tentatively scheduled for September 7, at which point if the situation surrounding COVID-19 remains favourable, the same conditions will be applied to visitors from other parts of the world.
Another difference between the approaches in Canada and the United States is that as of August 9 fully vaccinated travelers will not need to take a COVID-19 test upon their arrival with the exception of some individuals who will be randomly tested. The government says random testing will allow them to continue to monitor variants of COVID-19 and whether they present themselves in fully vaccinated individuals. Canada has also eliminated the three-night stay in a government-approved hotel for people arriving to Canada. However, people will have to provide a quarantine plan.
When making the announcement, Patty Hadju, Canada’s Minister of Health stated,
“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. Canadians have worked hard and sacrificed for each other, and because of that work, we can take these next steps safely.”
Whether you run a business on both sides of the US-Canada border or are involved in cross-border estate planning, the experienced team at Feigenbaum Law can help. Our team will create a personalized approach and walk you through all aspects of the process, saving you money and potential complications. We offer services to clients in the US, Canada and around the world. Contact us by email or at call us at (416) 777-8433 or toll free at (877) 275-4792.
