Jul 19, 2021 - Health

Canada will open its border to fully vaccinated Americans Aug. 9

Ivana Saric

Ambassador Bridge connecting Canada to the U.S. in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Photo: Cole Burston/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are currently residing in the United States will be able to enter Canada for nonessential travel without quarantining starting Aug. 9, Canada announced on Monday.

Why it matters: The U.S.-Canada border was closed for nonessential travel beginning in March 2020. With rising vaccination rates and falling case numbers, officials have faced criticism for not moving faster toward a full reopening of the border, the Washington Post reports.

The big picture: To be eligible for entry, American citizens and permanent residents will be required to upload onto the Canadian government app or website at least 14 days prior to their trip proof that they are fully vaccinated with an authorized COVID-19 vaccine, per the government press release.

Travelers will also be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken prior to their arrival.
While travelers will be exempt from quarantine, the government advises everyone to have a quarantine plan ready in case it is "determined at the border that they do not meet the necessary requirements."

What to watch: Canada also expects to open its borders to fully vaccinated travelers from any country starting on Sept. 7, “provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favourable," per the press release.

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Canada will open its border to fully vaccinated Americans Aug. 9

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