Maple News reports that Canada is set to ease its travel restrictions this summer, reopening its borders in two key phases for fully vaccinated tourists. The Canadian government has announced that starting August 9, fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents will be allowed to enter the country without needing to quarantine in a hotel. This move marks a significant shift in Canada’s pandemic-era border measures and sets the stage for further reopening.
The second phase of reopening will begin on September 7, when fully vaccinated travellers from all other countries will be permitted entry into Canada, provided public health conditions remain favorable. Maple News notes that these changes reflect the government’s confidence in rising vaccination rates and control over COVID-19 case numbers.
As of August 9, Canada’s mandatory three-night hotel stay for arriving travellers will be scrapped for all incoming passengers, including those from the U.S. Fully vaccinated travellers will also be exempt from mandatory on-arrival and day-eight testing, although they could still be selected for randomized COVID-19 testing at the border.
Eligibility hinges on being fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival with one of the vaccines approved by Health Canada: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson. Vaccination documents must be submitted through the ArriveCAN app or website before travel, and while hotel quarantine is no longer required, a 14-day quarantine plan remains mandatory in case border officers determine isolation is necessary.
Children under 12 who are not eligible to be vaccinated will see a change in protocols as well. Beginning August 9, unvaccinated children of fully vaccinated parents will not need to complete a full 14-day quarantine but must adhere to public health measures during that period. Testing requirements, including those on arrival and on day eight, will still apply. These updates will also extend to non-U.S. tourists and their children once global tourism resumes on September 7.
Despite the reopening plans, Canada is extending its ban on direct flights from India through August 21 due to ongoing concerns related to COVID-19 in the region. Government officials are continuing to monitor global trends and make adjustments based on epidemiological data.
Canada will also open more airports to international traffic, expanding entry points for foreign travellers and easing congestion at major hubs.
With these updates, Canada takes a major step forward in reopening its borders while maintaining a cautious, data-driven approach. Travellers are encouraged to stay updated on evolving policies and ensure all requirements are met prior to arrival.