U.S. DIPLOMATIC MISSION TO CANADA   

Message to U.S. Citizens in Canada: Global Health Advisory Update

August 11, 2020

Location: Canada

Event: Global Heath Advisory Update: Canada – Level 3, Reconsider Travel

Information:

On August 6, 2020, the Department of State lifted the Global Level 4 Health Advisory.

The Travel Advisory for Canada is now Level 3 – Reconsider Travel due to COVID-19. We encourage travelers to read the entire Travel Advisory.

The Global Advisory, initially put in place on March 19, 2020, advised U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. With conditions improving in some countries while potentially deteriorating in others, the Department of State has returned to its previous system of country-specific levels of travel advice (with Levels from 1-4 depending on country-specific conditions), in order to give travelers detailed and actionable information they need to make informed travel decisions. The Department of State continues to recommend U.S. citizens exercise caution when traveling abroad due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

Significant restrictions and conditions for entry into Canada remain in place. The U.S. and Canadian governments have agreed to extend cross-border travel restrictions to non-essential travel through August 20. Non-essential travel includes tourism, recreation, and entertainment. Permitted essential travel includes the following: work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, immediate medical care, and safety and security. Travelers entering Canada must present a credible 14-day quarantine plan and adhere to other health measures. See the Government of Canada website on COVID-19 travel restrictions and exemptions for full information.

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.   
• Please visit the FBI site for information on national security. 

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.   
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Center Canadian Anti-Fraud Center for information on fraud schemes and cyber crime.

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.