Toronto, July 21, 2021
The Canada-U.S. border restrictions into Canada are being eased, however, restrictions into the U.S. remain unchanged for non-essential travellers.
Canada announced on July 19, 2021 that as a first step, starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior, to enter Canada for non-essential travel.
The U.S. announced on July 21, 2021 that existing travel limitations will remain in place until at least August 21, 2021 - the U.S. does not have similar plans to allow fully vaccinated Canadians to enter for non-essential travel. The Department of Homeland Security filed the Federal Register notice, calling the extension of the border closure a public health decision.
Supply chains, including trucking, are not impacted by the current measures and the movement of commercial goods across the border is unaffected. "Non-essential" travel pertains to travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature.
On March 26, 2020, the Government of Canada put in place mandatory 14-day self-isolation for all persons entering Canada, even if they do not have COVID-19 symptoms. This 14-day self-isolation does not pertain to trans-border truck drivers, the full exceptions are:
Exceptions
Consequently, an exception to the order to self-isolate for 14 days is being provided to workers who are essential to the movement of goods and people. For example, this exemption would apply to:
For more information, please call Brian Rowe, Director – Customs Compliance & Regulatory Affairs at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1213.