Maple News reports that Canada has extended its international travel restrictions until October 31, 2020, in response to a growing number of COVID-19 cases both within the country and globally. The renewed measures were formalized through an Order in Council issued by the Government of Canada and will remain in effect through Halloween.
Under the extended order, the Canadian border remains closed to foreign nationals entering for non-essential purposes, such as tourism, recreation, or general visits. This continuation reflects a cautious approach as the country navigates a resurgence in infections after a relatively stable period earlier in the year.
International travel restrictions were first introduced in March 2020, with Canada shutting its borders from March 18 to June 30. Since then, the policy has been assessed and extended on a monthly basis. The latest extension marks a significant milestone, as it coincides with two major decisions expected later in October: a possible further extension of the restrictions, and the announcement of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2021–2023.
Despite the border closure, various categories of travelers remain exempt. These include Canadian citizens and permanent residents, individuals approved for permanent residence, certain temporary foreign workers, international students attending institutions with government-approved COVID-19 readiness plans, protected persons, and immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
In addition, everyone entering Canada is required to adhere to a mandatory 14-day quarantine, unless specifically exempt. Those exempt include airline and marine crew members, essential healthcare workers, individuals crossing for medical treatment within 36 hours, and residents of cross-border communities, among others.
Canada also maintains a separate bilateral agreement with the United States that restricts non-essential land border crossings, which has been in place since March. That agreement was also extended earlier this month, further limiting cross-border movement between the two nations.
Maple News notes that Canada had effectively flattened the curve during the summer, but COVID-19 cases began to rise again in late August. The government’s decision to renew travel restrictions reflects ongoing concern over virus transmission and the need to limit exposure from international sources.
As public health authorities continue tracking the pandemic’s developments, the government’s immigration plans and future policies remain subject to change depending on how the health crisis evolves in the coming weeks.