Canadian officials announced Friday that, as of Nov. 30, fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Canada will no longer have to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test when returning to Canada from trips shorter than 72 hours.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott welcomed the news.
“We support this decision to ease cross-border restrictions and thank the Canadian government for recognizing the financial and logistical burden the testing requirement was on reconnecting families, resuming economic ties, and promoting tourism and business expansion in Vermont,” Scott said in a written statement.
Vermont businesses have been looking forward to the elimination of the testing requirement, hoping it would increase the number of Canadian visitors to the state. Vaccinated Canadians had been allowed into the United States, but the vaccine requirement proved onerous to Canadians contemplating a quick vacation across the border.
Covid-19 tests are free in Vermont, but in Canada have been reported to cost as much as 1,198 Canadian dollars ($950).
The lifting of the testing requirement for Canadians and permanent residents in Canada applies to trips by land, ferry and air.
“We can move forward, though cautiously, toward a more open border and society,” said Canadian Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.
Canadian officials said at a press conference that they would be reevaluating vaccine requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to Canada. For the time being, vaccinated Americans traveling to Canada will have to continue providing proof of a negative molecular test.
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As of Jan. 15, certain Americans and permanent residents in the U.S. who until now have been exempt from the vaccine requirements will have to be vaccinated to enter Canada. That includes adults traveling to see family, international students, temporary foreign workers, essential service providers, truckers, and professional and amateur athletes.
Foreign nationals in Canada who are not permanent residents, including international students and workers temporarily residing in Canada, will still have to provide a negative Covid test upon reentering Canada, even for trips lasting less than 72 hours.
Starting Nov. 30, no one who is not vaccinated will be allowed to board flights or trains in Canada, except people with medical exemptions.
Correction: An earlier version of this story said vaccines, not tests, in Canada could cost $950.
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