U.S. citizens who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 can visit Canada starting Aug. 9, the Canadian government announced Monday.
The northern border will be open to any Americans who present proof of full vaccination: either two doses of the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Travelers must also be asymptomatic upon arrival, and have to obtain a negative PCR test within three days before crossing the border, submit their information to the Canadian government’s ArriveCAN portal and carry a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation to show officials upon request.
There will be no quarantine restrictions upon arrival, but travelers are expected to follow any local public health guidelines at their destination.
According to the CBC, unvaccinated children may also get a pass. A government official told the network that children under 12, who are not yet eligible for the vaccine, will be allowed to enter the country without quarantining, so long as they remain with their parents and follow public health guidelines.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last Thursday that entry into Canada for vaccinated travelers would likely resume in mid-August. Gov. Phil Scott, who has advocated in recent months for increased travel between the countries, cheered the move.
In a statement Monday afternoon, Scott said he was encouraged by the upcoming change. “Vermonters value the close trading relationship and friendship we share with Canadians, and I know many are eagerly awaiting visiting again after more than 16 months.”
The U.S. has not announced a similar policy, although the Department of Homeland Security has signaled that travel restrictions may ease soon. Nonessential travel from Canada to the United States has been restricted since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.
U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said Monday that he was “delighted” that Canada was reopening to American tourists, and that the U.S. should follow suit.
“Our congressional delegation called for a resumption of greater cross-border travel in the beginning of June and we will continue to call for a safe reopening of the northern border until that is accomplished,” Leahy said.
According to the Canadian government, 78.63% of eligible Candians had received at least one dose of the vaccine as of July 10. As of Friday, 83% of eligible Vermonters had received at least one dose.
Clarification: The list of requirements to enter Canada has been updated.
