Reminder: U.S. border measures to be reduced

Canada is set to allow fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents to enter the country for non-essential travel beginning Aug. 9.

Key Points:

• Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents currently living in the U.S. will be allowed to enter Canada for non-essential travel on Aug. 9. To be eligible, individuals must:
  • Receive the last applicable dose of a Canadian-approved vaccine at least 14 days before entering Canada and be prepared to show a digital or paper vaccination certificate to government officials upon request.
  • Provide COVID-19-related information through ArriveCAN prior to arrival.
  • Complete the pre-entry testing requirements and be asymptomatic upon arrival.
• Post-arrival testing will no longer be required unless individuals are randomly selected for testing, and travelers will no longer be required to quarantine in a hotel for three days.
• Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 and dependent children (due to a mental or physical condition) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are traveling with a fully vaccinated guardian are allowed to enter Canada without having to undergo a 14-day quarantine. Such children may accompany their parents outside but must avoid group settings for the first 14 days in the country and will be subject to testing on days one and eight of entry.

Additional Information: The Canadian government announced it would open its borders on Sept. 7 for non-essential travel for fully vaccinated travelers from any country as long as the COVID-19 situation continues to improve. Such individuals must have received a Canadian-approved vaccine at least 14 days before entering the country.

BAL Analysis: The change will ease procedures for fully vaccinated U.S. nationals planning travel to Canada; however, border measures remain subject to change as the epidemiological situation evolves. The U.S. continues to restrict non-essential travel across the U.S.-Canada border until at least Aug. 21. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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