The Canadian government announced Monday that it would soon allow fully vaccinated U.S citizens and permanent residents currently living in the U.S. to enter the country.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Aug. 9, fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents currently living in the U.S. will be allowed to enter Canada for non-essential travel.
    • To be eligible, individuals must have received the last applicable dose of a Canadian-approved vaccine at least 14 days before entering Canada.
    • 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.
  • In order to enter Canada, fully vaccinated U.S. travelers must:
    • Provide COVID-19-related information through ArriveCAN before leaving for Canada.
    • Meet the pre-entry testing requirements and be asymptomatic upon arrival.
    • Have a digital or paper copy of their vaccination certificate in English, French or with a certified translation to show government officials upon request.
  • Officials will remove the required three-night hotel stay for all fully vaccinated travelers starting Aug. 9. Unless randomly selected, post-arrival testing will no longer be required for fully vaccinated travelers.

Additional Information: Beginning Sept. 7, the Canadian government will open its borders 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 nonessential travel across the U.S.-Canada border. The current restrictions are in place through the end of the day on July 21; officials have not yet said whether they will be extended. 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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