Canada To Welcome Overseas Travelers in 2021 in Phases

Alisha Khan
[Published 21 Oct, 2021 | 12:54 PM]
About Author - 8 min read
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If you are amongst the millions of overseas travelers waiting to obtain a Canada Visitor Visa, here is an exciting update. The Government of Canada has planned to welcome travelers in a phased manner in 2021. It is adopting a measured and risk-based approach for reopening the borders and progress with adjusted border initiatives. 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Marco Mendicino shared the plan of action in a press release: 

“We have made incredible progress in the combating of the pandemic and are now in a position to launch measures for the phased reopening of Canada’s borders. Fully vaccinated US citizens will be welcomed soon and later travelers from remaining nations by early September. This will greatly benefit the Tourism and Travel industry and the workers in this industry. Moreover, those having the Confirmation Letter of Permanent Residence will be able to arrive in Canada and contribute towards the economic recovery” 

Economic Development and Official Languages’ Minister Melanie Joly has also welcomed this progressive development: 

“The borders being eased is a huge respite for Canada’s tourism industry. It will immensely benefit thousands of workers employed in the industry and the dependent communities. 2021 has been a challenging year even as both Canadians’ health and economy have to be safeguarded. However, incredible resilience has been shown by our Tourism sector. The Government of Canada stands by the sector even as we prepare to welcome vaccinated overseas travelers into our gorgeous shores” 

So Canada Visitor Visa will soon be available to overseas travelers seeking to arrive in the Maple Leaf Nation. 

Phase 1: 

From August 9, phased entry of US nationals and Permanent Residents in the US will be allowed. They must have been totally vaccinated a minimum of 14 days before arriving in Canada for travel that is non-essential.

The primary measure permits the Canadian Government to completely implement the adjusted border initiatives. This is ahead of the next stage to be implemented from 7th September 2021. It is also an acknowledgment of the affinity between the nationals of Canada and the US.

Phase 2:

From 7th September 2021, the Canadian Government plans to welcome totally vaccinated overseas travelers. It is provided the epidemiologic condition in the nation remains favorable. Travelers must have completed a total vaccination course with a vaccine accepted by the Government of Canada. This is a minimum of 14 days before arriving in Canada and if they fulfill distinct requirements for entry.

All travelers have to utilize Arrive-CAN (Web portal or App) for submitting their travel details subject to partial exceptions. Completely vaccinated travelers will not be required to be quarantined in Canada upon arrival. This is they are qualified to arrive in Canada and fulfill specific requirements.

Transport Canada is increasing the scope of the current NOTAM - Notice to Airmen for supporting the new measures.

At present scheduled overseas commercial passenger airplanes are directed to 4 Airports in Canada: 

• Montréal-Trudeau International.
• Airport Calgary International Airport. 
• Toronto Pearson International Airport.
• Vancouver International Airport.

Five Canadian Airports to welcome overseas travelers 

Overseas Airplanes with passengers will be allowed to arrive in the following 5 extra airports in Canada from August 9th, 2021: 

• Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
• Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport.
• Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport.
• Edmonton International Airport.
• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.

The above airports will implement necessary measures for safely welcoming overseas travelers at the earliest from August 9 as permitted by the situation. This is in close collaboration with Transport Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, and Public Health Agency of Canada.

Quick 3 Facts

1. Travelers have to utilize the Arrive-Can Web portal or app for qualifying to arrive in Canada based on vaccination status for discretionary travel. They must ensure having fulfilled compulsory requirements before leaving for Canada. Some territories and provinces could have implemented their individual entry curbs. Travelers must confirm and abide by both Provincial and Federal curbs and criteria before travel. 
2. Totally vaccinated travelers also have to offer data pertaining to COVID-19 digitally via Arrive-CAN. It includes evidence of vaccination prior to arrival to Canada. They must have also received complete series of Canadian government authorized vaccines. Travelers have to fulfill pre-arrival requirements and have no symptoms after arrival. They must possess digital or paper copies of their vaccination documents in French or English or certified translation to be shown as evidence to the Immigration Officer. 
3. An individual who provides fake vaccination status can be liable for a fine of a maximum of $ 750,000 or 6 months detention or both via the Quarantine Act. They can also be prosecuted for forgery under the Criminal Code. Violation of any isolation or quarantine instructions issued by a Quarantine or Screening Officer while arriving in Canada is also an offense in the Quarantine Act. It can result in a penalty of $ 5,000 for every committed offense or day of non-obedience or even serious punishment. It includes a fine of $ 750,000 or 6 months detention or both. Disobedient air passengers can also be levied a fine of a maximum of $ 5,000 for every committed offense as per the Aeronautics Act.

Irrespective of their vaccination status, all travelers will need a pre-arrival molecular test for COVID-19. However, the Government of Canada has commenced revision of the testing approach for post-landing for travelers that are completely vaccinated from 9th August. 

Travelers completely vaccinated will not have to undergo a post-landing check except if they have been chosen arbitrarily for carrying out a Day One molecular check for COVID-19. This is through a fresh border assessment surveillance program at land border crossings and airports. Compulsory testing requirements for non-vaccinated travelers remain unchanged. 

The new strategy permits the Canadian Government to keep monitoring variants of alarm in Canada and the effectiveness of vaccination. It can scrutinize the COVID-19 scenario in the nation through these layers of safety. Immediate response to threats and guiding decisions on curbing overseas travel will also be possible. 

Lastly, the 3-night hotel stay requirement authorized by Government will end for all air travelers effective 9th August EDT 12.01 AM. It is owing to the increased rate of vaccination in Canada, declining pressure on the healthcare sector, and reducing the caseload of COVID-19. 

Totally vaccinated travelers who fulfill the requirements will be exempted from quarantine. Nevertheless, all travelers will have to offer a plan for quarantine and be ready for quarantine. This is if it is confirmed at the border that they do not fulfill the mandatory requirements. 

Meanwhile, the Canadian Government continues advising the citizens to refrain from non-essential overseas travel. This is as overseas travel enhances risked exposure to COVID-19 as well as its variants. The risk of spreading it to others also remains. The border measures are also subject to variation depending on the evolving situation of the pandemic. 

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