The Canadian government announced on November 19th they would ease testing requirements for molecular testing. The exemption is only for trips originating in Canada taken by full vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents or individuals registered under the Indian Act, who depart and re-enter by land or by air and can demonstrate that they have been away from Canada for less than 72 hours. This exemption also applies to children under 12 and individuals with medical contraindications to vaccination.
All travellers including those returning from short trips are required to enter their travel information in the ArriveCAN app.
The United States land border has been open since November 8th, 2021 to fully vaccinated visitors. There is no testing requirements to enter the United States and proof of vaccination may be requested by the border agent.
The new changes have definitely come as a sigh of relief to Canadians with relatives in the United States as well as the tourism industry in the United States.
There has been increased pressure on the Canadian federal government to lift the PCR test entry requirement. Previous requirements allowed Canadians to get tested in Canada, travel to the US and show proof of negative test completed in Canada. This let Canadians time their testing, but was expensive, costing $150-$300 per person, it also did not detect if travelers may have contracted Covid-19 in the United States.
Entry Testing for Americans
Fully vaccinated Americans have been able to enter Canada since August for non-essential travel. They must still provide a negative PCR test and complete information in the ArriveCan app.
Dr. Theresa Tam stated the Canadian government will take a phased approach in regards to allowing fully vaccinated tourists when asked about easing testing requirements for Americans.
The information in this blog is not to be interpreted or construed as legal advice. Everyone’s immigration goals, objectives and situations are different. Please contact us to speak to a consultant for advice.
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