U.S. DIPLOMATIC MISSION TO CANADA
Message to U.S. Citizens in Canada: Update on Canadian International and Domestic Travel Restrictions
July 22, 2020
Location: Canada
Event: Update on Canadian International and Domestic Travel Restrictions Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Information:
Border Restrictions
The U.S. and Canadian governments recently extended cross-border travel restrictions to non-essential travel through August 20.
- 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.
Foreign National Family Member Exceptions
Foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may enter Canada for non-essential purposes if they meet the following criteria:
- They do not have COVID-19.
- They do not have reason to believe they have COVID-19.
- They do not have signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
- They are entering to be with their immediate family member for a period of at least 15 days.
Foreign nationals permitted to enter Canada must quarantine for 14 days. Immediate family members of temporary residents in Canada, such as those on a student or work visas, cannot enter Canada. For more information, including the definition of an “immediate family member,” please refer to the Government of Canada website on COVID-19 travel restrictions.
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.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- No current interprovincial domestic travel restrictions.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Peace Arch Park at Blaine border crossing temporarily closed.
- No current interprovincial domestic travel restrictions.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals staying in Manitoba required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Self-isolation restrictions for motorists travelling through Manitoba.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals in New Brunswick required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Effective Friday, July 3, 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, including those entering from the other Atlantic provinces, will continue to be screened at interprovincial points of entry into New Brunswick and will be asked for proof of province of residence.
- Unnecessary travel into New Brunswick is limited, and peace officers are authorized to turn visitors away when they attempt to enter.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals in Newfoundland and Labrador required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Effective Friday, July 3, 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.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals in Nova Scotia required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Effective Friday, July 3, 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.
- 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.
- Unnecessary travel into Prince Edward Island (PEI) prohibited.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals on PEI from outside Atlantic Canada are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Effective Friday, July 3, 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.
- Permanent Atlantic Canadian residents must complete a self-declaration form in advance of entering PEI.
- PEI is accepting pre-travel approval applications from seasonal residents who own a PEI property and immediate family members who will provide support to Island residents.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Travel to the Cree Territory of James Bay and Nunavik is restricted for non-residents.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- No current interprovincial domestic travel restrictions.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals to Yukon required to self-isolate for 14 days (some exceptions for residents of Yukon, B.C., Northwest Territories, and Nunavut).
Saint Pierre et Miquelon (French Overseas territory)
- Access restrictions are in place. Travelers must complete and carry with them a travel certificate and attestation certifying they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms.
- International arrivals subject to mandatory 14-day quarantine.
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.
