Canada to Loosen Quarantine Restrictions for Vaccinated Travelers

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has begun preparations to ease border restrictions for those travelers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including loosening the current 14-day quarantine period for fully vaccinated travelers. Travelers entering Canada would still be tested for the virus and may be required to quarantine for a shorter period.

It is expected that Trudeau will announce the new plan within days, but it remains unclear when exactly the changes would be implemented and whether or not the border would be opened to non-U.S. travelers at the same time. A pact that limits non-essential travel is due for renewal on June 21. However, pressure has been growing on the Canadian and U.S. governments to relax the travel restrictions that have been in place since the start of the pandemic, especially now since this may be the last opportunity to open the border in time for the summer season. Extending the travel restrictions for another month would be a huge blow for the tourism sector, as the July 1 national holiday in Canada and the July 4 weekend in the U.S. quickly approach.  

Officials have said that the loosening of travel restrictions for vaccinated individuals will be part of a gradual phased reopening that would be contingent on declining cases in both countries. Trudeau alluded to a step-by-step reopening Monday in a virtual appearance to a business audience in Newfoundland. Trudeau has mentioned a 75% vaccination rate as a key threshold when asked about potentially reopening the border. Active cases in both the U.S. and Canada have significantly decreased.

Serotte Reich will continue to provide updates, as new developments affecting immigration continue to occur frequently during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you need assistance or advisement regarding an immigration matter, please contact us at (716) 854-7525 or www.srwborderlawyers.com/contact to schedule a consultation.