Chronicles of the Canadian Border- Unveiling the Timeline of Its Opening

When did Canadian border open? This question has been on the minds of many, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian government has implemented various measures to control the entry of individuals into the country, and understanding the timeline of these changes is crucial for those planning to travel or migrate to Canada.

The Canadian border has undergone several phases of opening and closing since the pandemic began. Initially, in March 2020, the border was closed to non-essential travel to help contain the spread of the virus. This decision was part of a broader global effort to limit the movement of people across international borders.

As the situation evolved, the Canadian government began to gradually reopen the border. In June 2020, the border was reopened to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and immediate family members. This was followed by the introduction of the “Essential Travel Exemption” for individuals who could demonstrate a compelling reason to enter the country, such as work, study, or health care.

The border remained partially open throughout 2020 and into 2021, with strict health and safety measures in place. These measures included mandatory quarantines for travelers, temperature checks, and the requirement to fill out a declaration form upon arrival. The government also implemented travel restrictions based on the risk level of the traveler’s country of origin.

By July 2021, the Canadian government announced that the border would be fully reopened to all travelers, including tourists and international students. However, this decision came with a new set of guidelines aimed at minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. These guidelines included mandatory vaccinations for travelers, pre-departure testing, and the use of the ArriveCAN app to provide information to border officials.

The timeline of the Canadian border opening can be summarized as follows:

– March 2020: Border closed to non-essential travel
– June 2020: Border reopened to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and immediate family members
– July 2020: Introduction of the “Essential Travel Exemption”
– July 2021: Border fully reopened to all travelers with new guidelines in place

Understanding the history of the Canadian border opening is essential for those considering travel or migration to Canada. As the situation continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest guidelines and restrictions is crucial for a smooth and safe journey.