Canada travel restrictions extended again

Canada has extended travel restrictions until May 21, 2021, for travelers from all countries, including the United States.

The announcement was made by Canada's Public Safety Minister Bill Blair via Twitter.

Canada continues to accept international travelers through four major airports situated in the cities: Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver.

Travelers who are exempted from the country's travel restrictions have to present with a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before arriving in Canada. They also have to take another test upon arrival. After that, they have to quarantine themselves in a government-approved hotel for three days.

When Canada's borders will be reopened?

Last week, Health Minister Patty Hajdu reiterated that now is not the time to travel. Hajdu did not say when Canada plans to reopen the border. However, she mentioned that there are some things that Canada needs to watch before that happens.

"We are monitoring several different parameters, including national spread, the abilities of provinces and territories to handle affairs in their jurisdiction, as well as the international situation," Hajdu said at a press conference alongside other officials on Tuesday, April 6.

Like many other countries, Canada is facing a third wave of the COVID-19 virus. Canadian provinces and territories are grappling with the surge in cases.

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Vaccinated travellers exempted from travel restrictions?

Canada is currently monitoring the effectiveness of "vaccine passports" for the time being. There is a lack of evidence to suggest whether people who have been vaccinated can pass the virus on to others.

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, stressed that Canada must first consider appropriate measures for those who are vaccinated, especially those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are not approved by Health Canada.

Who is exempted from Canada's travel restrictions?

Only certain people are exempt from the travel restrictions and will be allowed to enter Canada. These include Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as their family members.

Certain temporary foreign workers and international students attending a school with a COVID-19 response plan are also allowed to enter Canada.

Protected persons and people who come to Canada for compassionate reasons are also exempt. For a full list of who can travel to Canada, visit the government webpage.

Compassionate reasons include those who wish to travel to Canada:

• Be present during the last moments of a loved one's life or provide support or care for a seriously ill person;
• To provide medical support to a person in need; or
• To attend a funeral or an end-of-life ceremony.

Compassionate travellers are required to complete an application for limited release from quarantine before the end of the 14 days.

In all cases, Canadian border services officers have the final say over who is allowed to enter Canada.