Border finally opens to qualified US visitors
August 10, 2021
As of Monday, August 9th, travelers from the US can enter Canada, to finally be able to access their cottages, camps and their boats.
I went to the Canadian government website and the most recent information seems to be that to be eligible to enter Canada for discretionary travel on the basis of vaccination status, travellers must use the ArriveCAN app or web portal. Travellers must ensure that mandatory requirements are met prior to departing for Canada. In addition, some provinces and territories may have their own entry restrictions in place. Visitors should check and follow both the federal and any provincial or territorial restrictions and requirements before travelling.
In addition to receiving a full series of a vaccine authorized by the Government of Canada, fully vaccinated travellers must also: provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal) including proof of vaccination prior to arrival in Canada; meet the pre-entry testing requirements; be asymptomatic upon arrival; and have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation in English or French (or certified translation) ready to show a government official on request as evidence.
The government is taking this all very seriously and a person who submits false information on vaccination status could be liable to a fine of up to $750,000 or six months imprisonment or both, under the Quarantine Act, or prosecution under the Criminal Code for forgery.
This is far from a welcoming message to our American friends and neighbours but then again, COVID19 is a very serious matter and the Delta variant is most concerning. So, will we see our American friends show up this week?
I would certainly like to think so, but the summer is more than half over and it would not surprise me to hear that many of those who normally visit us in the summers, made other plans and have taken their vacations south of the border. I think families need certainty when planning the big annual vacation.
Time will tell though and let’s hope that the next weekend sees a happy return of our American friends and customers.
Andy Adams – Editor
