Although the Canada-U.S. border restrictions into Canada had been eased in July 2021, restrictions into the U.S. remain unchanged for non-essential travellers.
Canada
on July 19, 2021 that as a first step, starting August 9, 2021, Canada would 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.
on August 23, 2021 that existing travel limitations will remain in place until at least September 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.
All travellers, with limited exceptions, whether entering Canada by air, land or marine vessel, must use the Government of Canada’s
web portal to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours before entering Canada.
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
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:
- healthy workers in the trade and transportation sector who are important for the movement of goods and people across the border, such as truck drivers and crew on any plane, train or marine vessel crossing the border; or
- healthy people who have to cross the border to go to work, including health care providers and critical infrastructure workers.
For more information, please call Brian Rowe, Director – Customs Compliance & Regulatory Affairs at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1213.
