Canada’s border reopens Monday to vaccinated Americans

Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, August 9, 2021, Canada is set to reopen its border for discretionary business and leisure travel by citizens and permanent residents of the United States who have been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.

“Everything you need to know” to prepare for a trip to Canada if you meet the requirements will be the focus of a free, 30-minute webinar on Monday the 9th at 1 p.m. featuring Rodger Cuzner, Consul General of Canada in Boston. The New England-Canada Business Council (NECBC) is sponsoring the webinar in partnership with the consulate.

Registration for this free event is available at https://necbc.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1543892 and attendees will be able to submit questions during the webinar by chat.

Mr. Cuzner will offer an overview of how vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents can be prepared to meet the requirements for entering Canada, including:

• Required proof you have been fully vaccinated for 14 days before entering Canada and have no COVID symptoms on arrival
• How to use the ArriveCAN smartphone app or web portal to upload required documentation
• Information on the NEXUS program at land crossings and airports
• Additional forms you may need to fill out depending on which Canadian province or provinces you are visiting
• Where you will need to wear a mask in Canada
• What to expect at airports and land border crossings
• The status of Canada’s plans to open its border to visitors from other nations starting Sept. 7, "provided that Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favorable."

“NECBC’s board, staff, sponsors, and members are deeply grateful to Consul General Cuzner and his consulate staff for this opportunity to educate fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents about what you need to know and prepare for a business or pleasure trip to Canada,’’ said NECBC president Peter J. Howe, a senior advisor at Boston strategic communications consulting firm Denterlein. “After more than 16 months of the border having to be closed because of the COVID pandemic, we know that thousands of New Englanders are eager to visit family, friends, and business associates in Canada and enjoy all that Canada has to offer visitors.”

“We’re particularly excited to be able to offer this webinar on Day 1 of the border reopening,’’ Mr. Howe added, “and have the most up-to-date information on any late-breaking adjustments to the border-crossing protocols and how the reopening process is unfolding.’’

The Public Health Agency of Canada has also published a list of frequently asked questions and answers about the border reopening that may be found at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2021/07/easing-border-measures-for-fully-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada---permitting-discretionary-travel-for-citizens-and-permanent-residents-of-th.html .