November 12, 2021
The USA Welcomes Canadian Travelers at Land Crossings and Ferry Terminals
On 8 November 2021, the United States opened their land crossings and ferry terminals to Canadian travelers for the first time following over a nineteen-month shutdown to non-essential travel. The eased restrictions come as a relief for those who have been eager to reunite with family south of the border.
According to a Department of Homeland Security, starting on 8 November 2021, those who wish to visit the United States for non-essential purposes and are arriving at a land port of entry or ferry terminal should be prepared to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination as well as verbally attest their reason for travel and COVID-19 vaccination status during a border inspection. [[1] ]
Currently, only those who have received a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved vaccine will be permitted entry. Information regarding the approved vaccines and what is acceptable as proof of vaccine can be found on the CDC website.
For more information and a fact sheet to see if you qualify, please click here.
Also, please note, although a negative COVID-19 test is not required to cross the border into the U.S., the same does not apply when returning to Canada.
Canada requires a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours of the border crossing to enter the country for all travellers five years of age or older. Other tests that will be accepted include a nucleic acid test (NAT), nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs) or reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP).[[2]][[3]]
This article is prepared for information only and it is not intended to be legal advice.