Canada begins welcoming fully vaccinated American travelers

By: Thomas I. Likness
EBC News Service

(Eagle News) — For the first time in 17 months, non-essential travelers from the United States will be allowed to cross land borders into Canada.

The change takes place at midnight Sunday (EDT).

But there are conditions.

Only fully vaccinated Americans will be allowed in and the last dose of the vaccine must have been taken at least 14 days before crossing.

As well, travelers will have to have a molecular COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival.

Vaccination and medical information must be uploaded to Canada ArriveCAN app.

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 will be allowed in but will be tested for COVID-19 on their first and eighth days in the country.

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 will be turned away.

Some visitors may be randomly selected for COVID-19 testing.

While the Canadian travel industry is ecstatic about border restrictions being loosened, a number of people say it is too soon to allow visitors in.

Rising rates of infections in the U.S. from the delta variant have many Canadians concerned the virus will be hitching a ride on nonessential travelers.

While Canada has put out the welcome mat, the U.S. has not indicated when it will reopen land crossings to non-essential Canadian visitors.

The present closure will remain in effect until at least August 21st.
(Eagle News Service)