Fully-vaccinated Canadians – day-trippers and those on vacation – will be able to drive into the U.S., starting next month.
A recent announcement stated that Canadians who have received two doses of a vaccine approved by either the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization will be able to enter the US by land border starting early November. While exact dates haven’t been stated, it is expected that this will coincide with the Biden administration’s previously-announced plan to allow fully-vaccinated foreign nationals into the U.S. beginning early next month. (Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and residents have been allowed into Canada since August 9.)
This is a welcome development for families and businesses on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border, which has been closed to non-essential traffic for 19 months.
Vaccines have been a sticking point for cross-border travel. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was one of the first approved for use in Canada, but has not been approved for use in the U.S. However, it’s on the WHO’s approved vaccine list, meaning that Canadians double-dosed with that vaccine can enter the U.S. under the new rules and timelines. Nothing has yet been said about those Canadians (roughly 3.9 million) who received mixed vaccine doses, although guidance for those individuals is expected soon.
Border openings and a tentative return to in-person events are good news stories, but it’s important to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. Many destinations will have mask and social distancing mandates, and it’s important to read up on these before travelling. We’ve posted updates for entry to Canada on this site, and recommend reviewing them before travel. More information regarding U.S. travel protocols can be found here.