The Canadian government announced today that Canada will not extend the requirements of proof of COVID-19 vaccination and use of the ArriveCAN app beyond September 30, 2022, which is when those requirements expire. Here is an excerpt from the announcement that explains the changes:
Today the Government of Canada announced the removal of all COVID-19 entry restrictions, as well as testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada, effective October 1, 2022. . . . Effective October 1, 2022, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:
- submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
- provide proof of vaccination;
- undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
- carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
- monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.
Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements. As of October 1, 2022, travellers will no longer be required to:
- undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or
- wear masks on planes and trains.
Although the masking requirement is being lifted, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear high quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.
Cruise measures are also being lifted, and travellers will no longer be required to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated, or use ArriveCAN. A set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.
Individuals are reminded that they should not travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. If travellers become sick while travelling, and are still sick when they arrive in Canada, they should inform a flight attendant, cruise staff, or a border services officer upon arrival. They may then be referred to a quarantine officer who will decide whether the traveller needs further medical assessment as COVID-19 remains one of many communicable diseases listed in the Quarantine Act.
Now that Canada is ending its border restrictions, can the United States be far behind? Currently, the United States requires proof of vaccination upon entering the United States via land borders and air. Congressman Brian Higgins’s concerns, voiced in a recent WGRZ News segment, may give us insight into the United States’ response:
These COVID restrictions that continue to hamper cross-border traffic are a big problem and traffic is down between the borders by about 40%, so it’s absolutely essential that we get back to a sense of normalcy. 86% of Canadians are fully vaccinated, and I think we’re moving into a management mode as it related to COVID.
Barclay Damon will continue to monitor the rules for crossing the Canada-US border.
If you have any questions regarding the content of this alert, please contact Mike Ferdman, partner, at mferdman@barclaydamon.com, or another member of the firm’s Canada-US Cross-Border Team.