US Land Border Reopens Monday: Here are 5 Things to Know Before You Go

Canadians crossing a land border into the US must be fully vaccinated, but do not have to show proof of being COVID-19 negative.

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Postmedia News

Publication date:

November 07, 2021 • 10 minutes ago • 2 minute read • Join the conversation

Travelers queue to enter Canada after border restrictions were loosened to allow U.S. residents to be fully vaccinated, after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic forced an unprecedented ban of 16 months that many companies complained was paralyzing them, at the Arch of Peace border crossing in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada August 9, 2021. Photo by JENNIFER GAUTHIER. /X07099

November 8 is a great day for Canadians and Americans. That’s when US President Joe Biden’s law changes go into effect that make it possible for Canadians to cross the border, provided they are fully vaccinated.

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If you are thinking of crossing the border to go shopping or on vacation, here are five things to know before you go:

1. The land border between the United States and Canada was closed in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, allowing only essential travel to cross the line (mostly truck drivers). In August, Canada changed course and began allowing Americans to cross the border as long as they could prove they were COVID-19 negative. If they weren’t vaccinated, they had to be quarantined. Starting at midnight on Sunday, the US will open its land border and ferry crossings to Canadians.

2. Canadian citizens and permanent residents must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to cross the US land border, but will not be required to take a pre-departure test if they are taking a land crossing. You must do a pre-departure test if you are flying.

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3. Be patient. There are likely to be long lines and the US Customs and Border Protection says visitors should expect delays. Border agents will ask to see a federal or provincial vaccination passport with a QR code.

Four. Keep in mind that when you return to Canada, you will have to navigate a lot of rules to satisfy the Public Health Agency of Canada. Currently, most travelers age five and older must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of arrival at the Canadian border. Antigen tests, often called rapid tests, are not accepted. Travelers can also enter Canada if they have proof of a previous positive molecular test taken between 14 and 180 days ago. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is asking Ottawa to remove the requirement for the expensive molecular test, which can cost between $ 150 and $ 250.

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In addition to testing, travelers returning to Canada must use the ArriveCan app to record their travel details and upload proof of vaccination. Anyone without a mobile phone can use the website.

Canadians who test positive for COVID-19 while in the US can still enter the country. A PHSA official, who is stationed at the border, will determine where to quarantine you.

5. For most of the pandemic, Canadians have been able to fly to the US subject to the rules in effect in the state they visited. Starting Monday, all travelers to the US must show proof of vaccination status before boarding, as well as a negative COVID-19 test result.

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