Although Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister alongside crucial planning and brainstorming with his government has been looking into reopening the Canadian-U.S. border for travel again, Canadian citizens are in absolutely no rush for this.

A survey in the form of a poll conducted by the Angus Reid Institute suggested that more than 3/4ths of the country’s population is in tandem with the opinion that travelers interested in entering or visiting the country need to reproduce some sort of proof of getting vaccinated, as and when the borders are planned to reopen. The poll also provided information revealing that a little less than 1/4th of the respondents were in favor of immediate reopening of the border. This is a sure indication that a majority of the Canadian population is in fear of the virus spreading and wishes to undergo necessary preventive actions

March 2020 was the period when the country witnessed the introduction of restrictions on various kinds of travel in order to eliminate the rampant spreading of the pandemic. Ever since that time, the border connecting to the United States has been shut down pertaining to all non-essential travel needs.

Post that, every month there would be an extension of these travel restrictions benign imposed onto the U.S. and other regions/countries of the world. Evidence of this was seen just last week when the country once again decided to extend travel restrictions right until the 21st of June.

Update about Canada’s Vaccination camp

On the 25th of May, it was revealed by Justin Trudeau that approximately more than half of Canada’s population has already received the first dose of vaccination against the coronavirus. As per his previous speeches, there has an inclination where he mentioned reopening of the Canadian borders when about 75% of the population has been completely vaccinated.

A couple of provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec are already in the process of planning for a seamless and steady reopening. Trudeau stated, “There are lots of reasons to be hopeful but that doesn’t mean we can let our guard down yet”.

The prime reason the Canadian government is constantly receiving notifications, pleas, and calls regarding the speedy reopening of travel borders is because of the speeding up of the country’s vaccination campaign.

Who is permitted to travel to Canada?

Prior to the reopening of the Canadian border for travel, only a bunch of specific target people shall be permitted to travel, namely, PRs, Canadian citizens, and their family members. Certain temporary foreign workers are also exempted from these rules. For international students studying at a learning institute that has recreated a COVID-19 readiness plan for its pupils, they are permitted to travel as well.

Those who are labeled as protected individuals and those visiting the country for compassionate reasons also don’t remain subject to these laws. The Canadian government’s official website provides further details regarding a comprehensive list of all those exempted from these travel restrictions.

However, one must note that the final word on the permission of entry within the country still lies with the Canadian border service officers.

Information for those Planning to Travel

The current travel restrictions are bound to remain unchanged until the 21st of June. Those who are exempt from these aforementioned restrictions and are planning on entering the country need to be aware of a few regulations.

It is mandatory to reproduce a COVID-19 test report which had been conducted at least 72 hours prior to entering the country. People who shall be traveling using air modes like taking a flight would have to reproduce another test upon arrival. Post this, they need to undergo quarantine at a Government-approved hotel as they await the delivery of their COVID-19 test results.

A compulsory 14-day quarantine period is still the norm for travelers, however, the 3-day living period at an approved hotel could be accounted for towards these 14-day quarantine days. Day 8 would call for a third COVID019 test to be taken.

Quarantine is not a necessity for those traveling for essential reasons. Examples of this include truck drivers, emergency service providers, and those residing within trans-border communities who are required to cross the border on a frequent basis for work purposes.