U.S. DIPLOMATIC MISSION TO CANADA
Message to U.S. Citizens in Canada: Update on Canadian International and Domestic Travel Restrictions
June 19, 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 have agreed to extend cross-border travel restrictions to non-essential travel through July 21. 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. 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.
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.
Temperature Screening for Air Travel
The Government of Canada will require temperature screenings for all passengers flying in or to Canada. Passengers departing Canadian airports for either international or domestic destinations will also be subject to a temperature screening. This new screening measure will be in addition to the existing health screening and face covering measures already in place.
Temperature screening will be introduced through a phased approach. The first three phases are aimed at arriving international travelers and departures from the Canadian airports that serve the vast majority of air travelers in Canada. After the initial phases, the requirements for temperature screening at the remaining Canadian airports will be assessed.
Phase 1: By June 30, 2020, all air operators will be required to conduct temperature screenings of all passengers traveling to Canada prior to departure from international or transborder points of departure.
Phase 2: By the end of July, temperature screening stations will be placed in the departure section of the four major airports that are currently identified as the only Canadian airports for international travel (Montréal, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver).
Phase 3: By September 2020, temperature screening stations will be in place in the departure sections of the next 11 busiest airports in Canada (St. John’s, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Toronto – Billy Bishop, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria).
For additional information see this Transport Canada information page.
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 traveling through Manitoba.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals in New Brunswick required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals in Newfoundland and Labrador required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- International arrivals subject to 14-day quarantine.
- Domestic arrivals in Nova Scotia required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- 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 required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- PEI is accepting pre-travel approval applications from seasonal residents who own a PEI property and immediate family members.
- 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 toYukon required to self-isolate for 14 days.
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 mandatory14-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-
- 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 pans and/or restrictions.
Follow us on-
- The Mission’s social media sites.
- 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.
