Travel Restrictions to Canada: A Comprehensive Guide for U.S. Citizens and Residents

Traveling to Canada from the United States has been subject to numerous restrictions due to the ongoing global health crisis. This guide provides an in-depth look at current travel regulations and what U.S. citizens and permanent residents need to know before crossing the border.

Land Border Entry

The land border between the United States and Canada is currently closed to everyone except Canadian citizens and permanent residents. For Americans traveling from the lower 48 states to Alaska, there are specific points of entry that must be used: five designated entry points in Alberta and British Columbia. These entry points include major border crossings that are well-monitored by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

When crossing at one of these designated points, your vehicle will be issued a windshield tag. This tag indicates the date by which your vehicle must exit Canada, typically within 30 days. It is mandatory to proceed directly from the entry point to Alaska without making any stops for sightseeing or other activities.

Air Travel Entry

Air travel to Canada is restricted to a limited number of points of entry. Currently, only four airports are open for U.S. travelers: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal. When flying into these airports, you will need to have a negative COVID-19 test. Upon arrival, the CBSA will administer another COVID-19 test. Tough quarantine measures apply to these travelers.

All air travelers will be required to quarantine for 14 days. However, the first 3 days must be spent in a government-authorized hotel at your own expense. During this time, you will receive your test results. If you test negative, you can then proceed to your designated place of self-quarantine without additional stops for groceries or gas. It's important to have a solid quarantine plan ready as CBSA may request to review it upon arrival, and insufficient plans could result in refusal of entry.

Special Considerations and Exceptions

Canadian 'snowbirds' who left the country last year to spend the winter in the southern U.S. have faced unique challenges upon returning. Unlike their usual behavior of flying directly into the U.S. and then crossing the border to avoid quarantine hotels, some are opting to fly into airports in the upper New York state area. Here, they use an airport taxi service to cross the land border, effectively bypassing the quarantine hotel requirement.

Despite these exceptions, travel for most U.S. citizens and permanent residents is still subject to stringent requirements. You would need a valid reason for crossing the border, which border agents must deem as sufficiently legitimate. Cases involving 'compassionate grounds,' such as visiting immediate family members, still require you to prove your relationship and follow quarantine protocols. It's advisable to consider the current risk and to stay put until the border opens again to avoid complications.

Conclusion

The current travel restrictions to Canada from the United States are designed to protect public health and ensure a safer environment for all. While there are some exceptions and allowances, the majority of travelers should plan for stringent border protocols and quarantine requirements.

For up-to-date information and to navigate these complexities, consult official sources like the CBSA website or contact your local border crossing authority for the most accurate and detailed guidance.