Canada is not open for tourists, only essential travel is allowed. To be granted entry, visitors must submit proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test result and undergo a 3-day quarantine at a government-approved hotel at a cost of CAD $2,000 per person if they are not fully vaccinated.

Only essential travelers, extended family members, international students, and few other exceptions are allowed to enter the country at the moment.

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Disclaimer: Travel restrictions and governmental regulations can change rapidly and the information below might be outdated within a few hours. Therefore, double-check all information with your embassy or on official websites. Traveling Lifestyle does not take any responsibility for your decision to travel.

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Canada Opening Tourism – Latest Updates

July 9 – Canada to possibly allow international vaccinated travelers over the next few months, says government on July 8

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made a straightforward statement about permitting entry to unvaccinated travelers; “I can tell you right now, that’s not going to happen for quite a while.”

The country cannot afford to risk all the progress made to keep the virus out of their borders, according to the minister.

On the bright side, he also announced that good news could come for international vaccinated travelers soon.

“The next step we’ll be looking at what measures we can allow for international travelers who are fully vaccinated,” he said. “We will have more to say in the coming weeks.”

As of today, fully vaccinated Canadians are allowed to come back home without having to undergo the mandatory hotel quarantine.

Source: Reuters

June 25 – Canada to lift its 14-day quarantine for vaccinated travelers from July 6

Canada is finally loosening its rather strict travel restrictions. Effective July 6, returning Canadians and resident permit holders can avoid the 14-day quarantine if they are fully vaccinated.

The announcement has left most travelers deeply disappointed and – according to local media – also angry because so far only 13 percent of Canadians have been fully vaccinated, as per reports from Canada’s Public Health Ministry.

Additionally, children are not eligible to get a vaccine so their parents will still need to pay for the quarantine hotel.

(Source: Financial Times)

May 31 – Both Canada and American governments dismiss reports about border reopening on June 22.

Last week multiple media reports from both sides of the border announced Canada would reopen its border on June 22.

According to Global News, Len Saunders, a prominent immigration lawyer said that high-level meetings had been held in Washington, D.C., and he had been told that the border would fully reopen on June 22.

The news spread like wildfire and citizens from both countries started to make plans for that date.

However, both governments have confirmed that this was a misinterpretation and the Canadian border will continue to be closed until further notice.

(Sources: Global News, CIC News)

May 19 – Canada to reopen U.S. border, talks have started

Last Friday, Bloomberg reported that Canadian and American officials have started “preliminary formal discussions” to reopen the land border that has been closed for more than 14 months now.

Of course, Canada has brought to the table multiple concerns and requirements. According to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the decision-making stage would be reached only when, at least, 75% of the Canadian population has received their first jab.

As of today, only 39% of Canadians have had at least one dose of the vaccine and 47% of their American neighbors have got theirs.

Canada has demonstrated to be inflexible about relaxing COVID-19 restrictions. Consequently, this potential reopening could be a reality after next fall at the earliest.

As of today, the border closure is expected to be officially extended this week until June 21.

May 5 – Canada to join European allies vaccine passport strategy

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed Canada will align with the European policy to require all travelers to prove they have been immunized against COVID-19 so they can enter the country.

“We are looking very carefully at it, hoping to align with allied countries,” he said.

The Prime Minister also said they will definitely ask Americans to bring a vaccine certificate in order to allow them to visit Canada regardless of whether their counterpart requires them to do the same.

Trudeau also said Canadians might be free to travel outside the country by summer.

Is Canada open for Americans?

No. It isn’t. Air and land borders will remain close, at least, until July 21. Only essential U.S. workers are allowed entry.

When is the Canada-U.S. border reopening?

The Canadian government has officially extended the border closure until July 21.

COVID-19 Situation in Canada

Canada, like all nations throughout the world, has suffered greatly as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. As of July 9, the country has reported 1,419,196 cases and 26,405 deaths.

As expected, the crisis hit certain areas of the country harder – namely those areas that were more populated.

Canada has been generally praised for its response to COVID. The country managed to keep its confirmed cases relatively low. Like many western countries, its rate of COVID-positive cases has been declining.

Canada-US land borders remain closed

Canada-US land borders are closed to nonessential travel and tourism.

As was noted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the move was designed to protect both countries from furthering the spread of COVID.

There are some exceptions, including visiting family members or international students. Business exceptions only exist for essential work.

Who can travel to Canada now?

Canada’s shutdown measures are severe. There are some exceptions, but they are mostly related to essential workers or people who regularly travel to Canada for work. Although, the country is hearing appeals via letter.

Canadian nationals who are abroad are allowed to return to Canada. However, no one – including Canadian nationals – will be allowed to enter the country if they show any signs of COVID-19.

Regardless of who is coming to Canada, and for what reason, all people entering the country are required to adhere to certain conditions before being able to freely move. These includes,

Submit proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test result.
Filling out basic screening information.
Quarantining for 3 days (or more) at a quarantine hotel at their own expense.

Failure to adhere to these restrictions can result in significant fines or jail time.

How safe is it to visit Canada now?

Canada is at warning level 4 by the CDC organization. Any kind of traveling to Canada is not recommended due to the high risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. (CDC.gov)

Like other places around the world, the Canadian tourism industry has taken a massive hit during this time. As noted by many news reports, the industry has been in terrible shape since the start of this pandemic.

Many locations have closed altogether, and the industry, as a whole, is advocating for significant financial help.

As a result of the closures, Canada’s tourism industry has shifted gears, promoting internal tourism and spending millions to encourage Canadians to go on local vacations – or “staycations” – that involves spending money within the country’s borders.

The good news is that many places are now open. For example, the vast majority of Niagara Falls’ attractions are now open for business.

The same applies to the CN Tower in Toronto. Indeed, most tourist attractions are open, but for internal visitations only.

The good news is that the country does have a better grasp of the COVID crisis than other countries, including their neighbors to the south.