As the cases of the Coronavirus are on the rise, Canada decides to extend the travel restrictions till 21st May. That includes the United States as well.
Bill Blair, Canada’s Public Safety Minister, made the announcement through a tweet.
Non-essential travel restrictions with the United States have been extended until May 21st, 2021. We will continue to base our decisions on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe from #COVID19.
— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) April 20, 2021
Only four airports Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary, are operational for international flights.
Travellers who have an exemption from the restrictions still have to follow specific measures. They need to show a test result for COVID-19, and it should be taken within hours before arriving in Canada. Further, they will need to take another test as soon as they land in Maple country. After the test, they must wait for 3 days in a government-approved hotel/facility for their results.
For all travellers reaching Canada, a quarantine of 14 days is required. The 3 days stay while waiting for the results will be counted during the quarantine period. Travellers coming for essential services are not necessary to quarantine. The list includes:
- Truck drivers.
- Emergency service providers.
- Technicians/specialists.
- Trans-border communities.
- People who regularly cross borders because of their profession.
Border Re-opening?
The Health Minister of Canada, Patty Hajdu, recently stated that the present is not a good time to travel. She did not disclose when the country will open its borders. However, Patty did mention that the country needs to monitor a few things before opening up.
“We monitor a number of different metrics including domestic spread, provinces’ and territories’ capacities to manage cases in their own jurisdiction, as well as the situation internationally,” Hajdu said at a press conference alongside other officials on Tuesday, 6th April.
Canada is also struggling with the rise in cases during the second wave. Provinces and territories of the country are following all the health care protocols.
Does vaccination provide exemption?
The country is monitoring the effectiveness of the vaccine. However, they are unsure whether vaccinated people will spread the virus or not.
The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has asked the authorities to keep a close eye on those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by some government other than Health Canada. They need to form measures for such a population.
So no confirmation for the people who have been vaccinated.
Who has an exemption from travel restrictions?
The country’s citizens, permanent residents, and immediate family members have an exception to the restrictions.
A few specialists/skilled workers and students who are enrolled in an institution that follows all the regulations are also exempted from the restrictions.
Protected personalities and individuals with compassionate reasons are also allowed in the country. To read the complete list, check the official government page here.
If you want to be present during the final moments of a loved one or provide medical support/care to an individual who needs it, or attend a funeral, then you will be given exemption under compassionate reasons.
Travellers coming with compassionate reasons will have to submit an application for temp release during the 14 days quarantine period.
In all cases, service officers at borders will have the final say on travel restrictions. They will decide whether an individual should be allowed in the country or not.
