Canada to Open Borders for Fully Vaccinated International Travelers

The government of Canada announced to open its borders for international travel from September 7, 2021. However, fully vaccinated Americans can enter Canada from mid-august. Canada’s borders have been closed since March 2020. The move to ease border restrictions comes after significant gains in the country’s vaccination rate and a steady drop in Covid-19 cases. International students will soon be able to study in Canada physically.

Plan to welcome international travelers to Canada

In the first step, starting August 9, 2021, the Canadian government has planned to allow entry to American citizens who are fully vaccinated. Also, permanent residents, who are currently residing in the USA and have received full vaccination can enter Canada. It will start welcoming all other fully vaccinated international travelers by 7 September.

Eligibility to enter Canada

The government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travelers who meet specific entry requirements. To enter Canada you will have to meet the following requirements:

• All those international Travelers entering will have to present the proof of their full course of vaccination which is taken at least 14 days prior to arrival. The proof must be uploaded on the Canadian government app.
• All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to take a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test.

Vaccination rates in Canada

After a slow start, in the past few months, Canada’s vaccination program has fastened. It has also been said that if Canada’s current vaccination rate continues at the same speed, the government will be able to welcome fully vaccinated tourists from all countries by early September.

• About 80% of Canadians have received their first dose of the COVID vaccine,
• More than 50 % are fully vaccinated. including 56% of those aged 12 and older.

Future plans of Canada

Effective from August 9, 2021, the Canadian Government is adjusting its post-arrival testing strategy for fully vaccinated international travelers. It will be applied through a new border testing surveillance program done at airports and international border crossings. Fully vaccinated international travelers will not need a post-arrival test. However, they can be randomly selected to complete a Day 1 COVID-19 molecular test. There are no changes in the rule of the mandatory testing requirements for non-vaccinated travelers.

This strategy will help the Canadian government to continue monitoring variants of concern in Canada and the effectiveness of vaccines. Using these layers of protection, it can monitor the COVID-19 situation in Canada, react quickly to the threats, and guide decisions on restricting international travel.

Extension of Ban on Direct Flights from India

The ban, which was in force from April 22 when India had a rise in COVID-19 cases, was about to expire on July 21. India had requested the Canadian Government to Lift its Ban on Direct Flights from New Delhi. But the government of Canada has announced the extension of the ban for another month due to the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19.

The Ban will now be continued until August 21.

More updates on Canadian border reopening measures are expected to be announced in the next week. Canada’s current border restrictions are effective until July 21.