PM Justin Trudeau said on Thursday on a call with provincial officials that if the current rate of progress in vaccination of Canadians continues, fully-vaccinated Americans may be able to enter the country for non-essential travel as early as mid-August, visitors from other countries by mid-September, large cruise ships by November.
Currently 44% of Canadians aged 12 and up are fully vaccinated, vs. 57% of Americans.
20 July 2021 Update
The Government of Canada late yesterday announced in a media release that beginning 9 August, US citizens and permanent residents currently residing in the US who have been fully vaccinated as of at least 14 days prior to arrival may enter Canada for non-essential travel.
And on 7 September 2021, provided Canada's COVID-19 situation remains favorable, Canada will resume welcoming any international travelers who have been fully vaccinated with a Canada-accepted COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to arrival, and who meet other applicable entry requirements.
All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, still require a negative pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test result.
Currently, international passenger flights can land at these 4 Canadian airports:
- Montreal-Trudeau International
- Toronto Pearson International
- Calgary International
- Vancouver International
Beginning 9 August, international passenger flights may also land at these 5 additional airports:
- Halifax Stanfield International
- Quebec City Jean Lesage International
- Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Edmonton International
- Edmonton International
Although Canadians are able to enter the US via air, the US land border and ferry crossings remain closed.
When asked if the US will reciprocate Canada's reopening of the land and sea border, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said:
"We are continuing to review our travel restrictions. Any decisions about resuming travel will be guided by our public health and medical experts. ... I wouldn’t look at it through a reciprocal intention.”
The next routine joint Canada-US review of the border closure is due to happen Wednesday, 21 July. Stay tuned.
