Message to U.S. Citizens in Canada:
Update on Canadian International and Domestic Travel Restrictions
November 20, 2020
Location: Canada
Event: Update on Canadian International and Domestic Travel Restrictions Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Information:
The U.S. and Canadian governments have agreed to extend cross-border travel restrictions to non-essential travel through December 21, 2020.
- Non-essential travel includes tourism, recreation, and entertainment.
- Permitted essential travel includes work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, immediate medical care, and safety and security.
Land borders are operating at reduced capacity and with limited hours. Travelers entering Canada must present a credible 14-day quarantine plan and adhere to other health measures. See CBP and CBSA websites for details on U.S. and Canadian border restrictions.
New ArriveCAN Requirements
As of November 21, Canada requires travelers to submit their travel and contact information and quarantine plans digitally. Travelers are encouraged to use the ArriveCAN mobile application which is downloadable on both Google and Apple products. Travelers can also access ArriveCAN online. Within 48 hours of arrival in Canada, travelers must also use ArriveCAN or call 1-833-641-0343 to confirm they have arrived at their quarantine location and to complete daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessments during their quarantine period. For complete information on the ArriveCAN requirements, please click here.
Family Member Entry Exemptions
Exemptions to Canadian entry restrictions allow foreign nationals to enter Canada to visit immediate family members or extended family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Immediate family members are required to demonstrate plans to enter Canada for a period of at least 15 days.
Extended family members are required to:
- Demonstrate intent to enter for a period of at least 15 days.
- Have a declaration signed by the Canadian citizen or permanent resident that confirms the relationship.
- Be authorized in writing by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to enter Canada to be with extended family members.
For more information on these exemptions please refer to the Government of Canada website on COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Compassionate Entry Exemption
Travelers can also request an exemption to enter Canada for compassionate reasons to visit a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person, or a person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act. The exemption from the prohibition to enter Canada for compassionate reasons can apply to anyone, not just extended family of Canadians. To qualify for the exemption, the reason for travel must be one of the following:
- To be present during the final moments of life for a loved one or provide support to a loved one who has a critical illness.
- To provide care for a person who has a medical reason for needing support, or;
- To attend a funeral and you have applied for a limited release from mandatory quarantine before arriving in Canada.
The Public Health Agency of Canada requires that you bring documentation to support your request for compassionate exemption in order to enter Canada. For more information and application instructions please refer to the Government of Canada website on COVID-19: Compassionate entry for travelers and limited release from quarantine.
Alaska Transit
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enforces specific rules and additional entry conditions on travelers transiting through Canada to or from Alaska for non-discretionary purposes. If transiting to Alaska, U.S. travelers must enter Canada at one of the five identified CBSA ports of entry at Abbotsford-Huntingdon (British Columbia); Coutts (Alberta); Kingsgate (British Columbia); North Portal (Saskatchewan); or, Osoyoos (British Columbia). The summary of the Alaska transit rules can be viewed here.
Air Travel Measures
All air travelers in Canada, with few exceptions, must wear a non-medical mask or face covering in Canadian airports and during flight. See Transport Canada’s COVID-19 information for travelers website for full information. Air operators are conducting temperature screening at points of departure. Refer to Transport Canada’s Temperature Screening for Air Travel website for more information.
Provincial Travel Restrictions
Individual provinces may have additional restrictions that can affect your travel. Please refer to provincial websites (by clicking on the province’s name below) for full details and the latest information.
- Eligible international travelers returning directly to Alberta at Calgary International Airport or the Coutts land border crossing can participate in a pilot program that is safely testing reduced quarantine periods.
- All other international arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- No current interprovincial domestic travel restrictions.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- While not prohibited, the BC Government has advised that all non-essential travel should be avoided. This includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province.
- Refer to guidance on BC travel on the BC Centre for Disease Control website.
- Peace Arch Park at Blaine border crossing temporarily closed.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals staying in Manitoba required to self-isolate for 14 days unless they are coming from provinces and territories west of Manitoba or part of northwestern Ontario (west of Terrace Bay).
- Self-isolation restrictions for motorists travelling through Manitoba.
- Travel to northern Manitoba is highly restricted.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals in New Brunswick required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Residents of the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) can travel within the four provinces without the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days.
- All travelers will be screened at airports and at points of entry along the Quebec border, and will be asked for proof of province of residence.
- Travelers from outside of Atlantic Canada must register five days prior to travel into New Brunswick and have confirmation from the New Brunswick Travel Registration Program.
- Travelers entering New Brunswick from the United States and other countries who have been approved for travel by Canada Border Services Agency must call 1-833-948-2800 to complete their registration. The line is open Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Atlantic, except for holidays.
- Travelers into New Brunswick who are ordered to self-isolate will receive calls over the duration of their isolation period. Answer these calls, take the time to listen to the message, and respond accordingly. In cases where travelers do not answer the follow-up calls, their case will be directed to law enforcement for follow-up to ensure compliance.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals in Newfoundland and Labrador required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Residents of the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador), can travel within the four provinces without the requirement to self-isolate for 14-days.
- Visitors will be required to produce two pieces of government-issued identification to verify that they are a permanent resident in one of the Atlantic Provinces.
- All travelers are required to complete a travel declaration form prior to entry into Newfoundland and Labrador.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals in Nova Scotia required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Residents of the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) can travel within the four provinces without the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Atlantic Canadian adults must provide government-issued identification or a utility bill or bank statement showing their permanent home address.
- All travelers are required to complete a Nova Scotia Safe Check-In form (self-declaration) prior to entry, unless exempt from self-isolation.
- Travelers self-isolating in Nova Scotia must complete a digital check in each day of their isolation period.
- Strict restrictions on travel into the province. See website for latest information.
- Quarantine within Canada required prior to entry. See website for quarantine process and latest information.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- No current interprovincial domestic travel restrictions.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals on PEI from outside Atlantic Canada are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Residents of the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador), can travel within the four provinces without the requirement to self-isolate for 14-days.
- All travelers from outside of Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia or Newfoundland) must have pre-travel approval to enter the province.
- Seasonal residents from provinces and territories outside of Atlantic Canada and who own a PEI property can apply to enter as a seasonal resident.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Travel to the Cree Territory of James Bay and Nunavik is restricted for non-residents.
- Non-essential travel to/from certain regions strongly discouraged
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- No current interprovincial domestic travel restrictions.
- Starting November 20, every person entering Yukon is required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Exceptions to self-isolation include critical workers and residents of Atlin, Lower Post, Fireside, Jade City, Fraser, Pleasant Camp and transboundary First Nations. See Yukon guidelines for more.
Saint Pierre et Miquelon (French Overseas territory)
- Access restrictions are in place. Travelers age 11 and older must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel.
- Travelers must complete and carry with them a travel certificate and attestation certifying they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms.
Actions to Take:
Keep STEP Enrollment Active
- Encourage U.S. citizen friends and family to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the U.S. Embassy and Consulates can contact them with updated information. If you plan to remain in Canada beyond your previously planned travel dates, remember to modify your STEP profile in order to continue to receive information and emergency alerts.
Monitor the following U.S. Government websites
- Embassy webpage for information on conditions in Canada.
- Travel Restrictions Fact Sheet for information on COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions across the U.S. Borders with Canada and Mexico.
- CDC website for the most up-to-date health information.
- COVID-19 page on travel.state.gov for the latest travel information.
- Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection for the latest on travel restrictions for entry to the U.S.
- Travel.state.gov’s Canada Information and Travel Advisory page for Canada-specific information.
Monitor the following Canadian Government websites
- Canadian Government’s COVID-19 response website.
- Canada Border Services Agency for all information on entry and exit requirements to Canada.
Monitor the following additional suggested websites
- Airlines, buses, trains, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Follow us on
- The Mission’s social media sites.
- The State Department’s Twitter and Facebook feeds.
For Assistance: The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General are continually monitoring the current situation in Canada and continue to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. To contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulates General please find the location closest to you here.
