Fully vaccinated Canadians will be allowed to enter the United States at land and ferry border crossings in early November for non-essential reasons. This is a welcome sign to those who have been unable to see family and friends living in the United States as well as the many businesses and communities affected by the land border closing in March of 2020. Unfortunately, the details are still lacking.
Canadians will be considered fully vaccinated if they have received a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by either the US Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved three COVID-19 vaccines, and AstraZeneca was not among them. AstraZeneca is approved by the World Health Organization. It remains to be seen whether travellers who received mixed doses will be eligible.
Those entering the United States at Canadian and Mexican borders will be questioned by an officer from Customs and Border Protection about their vaccination status before crossing. Border officers will have the discretion to send travelers to secondary screening to have travel and vaccination documents checked.
Canadians must ensure that they download the ArriveCAN app and enter their mandatory information within 72 hours prior to arrival back in Canada.
As always, we are ready and able to help you with your immigration and business travel inquiries.