The Hot Vax Summer just got better: As of July 6, Canada will begin to ease into allowing travelers to cross into the country once again — so long as they're fully vaccinated within 14 days of entering the country and have the paperwork to prove it.
It's huge news for the world's longest international border.
This is the first phase of the country's reopening, deemed a "responsible, precautionary approach" by the Government of Canada. With this change to the restrictions, individuals with right of entry (ie. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act) and foreign nationals eligible to enter Canada as per current travel restrictions will be allowed to cross the border.
Those that aren't fully vaccinated won't see any changes to Canada’s border measures, including being tested and having to quarantine after arrival, as well as a three-night stay at a government-authorized hotel prior to their departure to Canada.
To be considered fully vaccinated, a traveller must have received the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada," the press release states. Those include the vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen; other vaccines such as Russia's Sputnik V or China's CoronaVac weren't listed in that announcement.
Even with the lifting of restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers, non-essential travel is still advised against until further notice. "We can’t let our guard down," said Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. "Our phased approach to easing border measures is guided by facts, scientific evidence, and the advice of our public health experts. In all that we’re doing in response to this pandemic, our top priority continues to be the health, safety and security of all Canadians."
Editor's note: Remember, many countries are still warning against all non-essential travel and some are quarantining all overseas arrivals, including their own returning citizens. Check all the relevant restrictions before you think about travelling.
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