It will be decided by the government of Canada by 21st July that if the restrictions will be lifted or extended.
At present, non-essential travel is not allowed for international travellers. Unless individuals are fully vaccinated as per the Canadian standard, they have to follow the quarantine measures even if they are allowed to enter. Furthermore, flights between India and Canada are still not functional.
Orders-in-council will be expiring soon, that’s why the authorities have to review the measures in action. Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau has been giving hints about a phased relaxation. Also, the measures will affect fully vaccinated individuals.
According to Toronto Star, there will not be much change in the current guidelines. Also, it is unclear if tourists with complete vaccination will be allowed to enter Canada or not.
Though most Canadian agree that the border should reopen before the end of 2021, they also believe that health should be a priority over the economy. So the decisions should be taken accordingly. Nanos Research Poll reported the stats this week.
The country is working on a similar chain of thoughts. Canada is considering opening the borders when only 20% population is left for vaccination. Nonetheless, there are other factors in consideration as well. Officials are keeping track of new cases, mutants, local and international outbreaks.
According to the latest available information, we have consolidated a few details about the borders.
Test and Quarantine
Every traveller over the age of five needs to present a negative RTPCR report upon arriving in the country. And that should be taken within 72 hours of arriving. Furthermore, they will have to pre-register for the on-arrival test before arriving.
Quarantine measures are different for people flying to the country and those who are taking the land route. Travellers travelling by air will have to book an authorized hotel for their stay during quarantine if they do not get the exemption.
If an individual had taken the complete vaccination from any of these four: Astra Zeneca, and Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, or Moderna, then only they will be considered fully vaccinated by Canadian authorities. Also, there should be a gap of at least 14 days between the final dose and the date of arrival in Canada.
Till now, authorities have not indicated any change for 21st July. The order-in-council is expiring on the day.
Tourism
Tourism is a non-essential travelling category. However, the government is considering allowing fully vaccinated tourists in the next group. For the unvaccinated population, it will take a while before they can enter Canada, as per the Prime Minister of Canada.
The tourism sector has suffered a significant loss due to restrictions. They are pressurizing the government to launch a comprehensive policy to reopen. However, Trudeau had stated that the reopening would not be based on opinions but facts and science. He added that he doesn’t want to loosen up just to tighten again if cases rise.
When quarantine measures were rolled back, we had got the hints weeks back from officials. Also, even after the announcement, the new regulations were not impalement on 21st June, but on 5th July. In the same manner, there could be an announcement about new guidelines. However, it will take a while for stakeholders to implement the changes.
Flight ban from India
The flight ban happened on 22nd April. All flights from India were banned by the Canadian government. The mandated testing showed that a high number of travellers from Pakistan and India had COVID. The transport minister initially stated that the ban would be for 30 days but was extended till next month. The ban was scaled back for Pakistan in June.
Now Indian travellers will have to take an indirect route, and while doing so, they will have to take a pre-departure test in the third country.
It is not explicit if this will change on 21st July.
U.S. Border
The restriction norms are different for the U.S. border of the country as the US being the biggest trading partner of Canada. Furthermore, both countries have the longest borders without defence in the world.
Communities and tribes living near the border have struggled the most—especially those who survive because of cross-border jobs and businesses.
Public Safety Minister of Canada stated that in coordination with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, both countries have extended the restriction.
After the extension, U.S. congress urged President Biden to reopen the border. New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik wrote letters to the premier of provinces and territories of Canada. She also requested them to consider reopening the border. Though the federal government handles foreign travelling matters, the provinces are responsible for their region’s health measures. That can influence the quarantine and RTPCR testing measures.
Travel restrictions will expire on 21st July between Canada and the United States. Any change affecting international travellers will somehow impact the travellers from the United States as well.
