OTTAWA: The Canada-US border restriction has been extended until at least November 21, 2020, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair announced on Monday.
The current restrictions were set to expire on Oct. 21, 2020. “We are extending non-essential travel restrictions with the US. Our decisions will continue to be based on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe,” Blair said.
The restrictions were first announced on March 18 and were extended in April, May, June,
July, August, September, and now again in October.
Essential workers like healthcare professionals, airline crews, and truck drivers are still permitted to cross the border. Truck drivers are essential for day-to-day living – as they move food and medical goods in both directions. Much of Canada’s food supply comes from or via the U.S.
Travel to Canada for discretionary reasons (non-essential), such as for tourism, recreation, or entertainment is currently prohibited. Unless exempted, if you do not have a non-discretionary (essential) reason to travel to Canada, a border services officer will deny you entry.
If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be permitted to enter Canada, regardless of your reason for travel. Canadians have also been told to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada and to avoid all cruise ship travel outside Canada until further notice.
The Governments of Canada and the United States have temporarily suspended discretionary travel across the Canada-US border. These restrictions remain in place.
All persons entering Canada, unless exempted – no matter their country of origin or mode of entry – MUST isolate themselves for 14 days if they have symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19 or quarantine themselves for 14 days if they do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
Foreign nationals who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter Canada. Acting U.S. Homeland Security Department Secretary Chad Wolf “To limit the spread of COVID, the US, Mexico, & Canada will extend the restrictions on non-essential travel through November 21”.
• For the latest on cross-border programs and services, call 1-800-461-9999.