Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Friday, June 18th that the border closure with the United States would remain in effect for an additional month until July 21st 2021, Health Minister Patty Hajdu and Public Safety Minister Bill Blair outlined in a press conference yesterday that beginning on July 5, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fully vaccinated travelers who are permitted to enter Canada under the existing regulations will not be required to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8. In addition, fully vaccinated travelers arriving by air will no longer be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel. This marks the first loosening of restrictions on travel since the rules were enacted 15 months ago at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To be considered fully vaccinated, a traveler must have received the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Travelers can receive their vaccine in any country and must provide official documentation supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation.
Fully vaccinated travelers must still meet all other mandatory requirements, including pre- and on-arrival testing via the ArriveCan app. Testing must be done within 72 hours prior to arrival and again upon arrival at destination (or a home-kit will be provided). Electronic or paper records of the vaccinations will need to be uploaded to the app or provided in person to border officials.
Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel Remain in Place, travel ban lifted for Pakistan, extended for India
As had been announced previously, Foreign nationals who are not eligible for entry under the current Orders in Council (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States; Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States) will continue to be denied entry to Canada. Generally, this means, fully vaccinated or not, foreign nationals cannot enter for discretionary travel, including tourism, to visit friends, to attend a wedding or to visit ones property. Those travelling for non-discretionary purposes, including for work, may do so without having to face the quarantine measures.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra also said the government is ending the ban on incoming flights from Pakistan but is extending the flight ban for flights from India for at least another month.
Minister Alghabra confirmed that the existing international flight restrictions that funnel scheduled international commercial passenger flights into four Canadian airports (Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport and Vancouver International Airport) will be maintained in this first phase of re-opening.
Sussex is continuing to monitor the rollout from yesterday’s announcement and is here to provide you with the latest information and updates as they become available. If you have any questions please reach out to the Sussex Federal Team.
