The Prime Minister of Canada has announced travel restrictions to keep the citizens safe from the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the restrictions, most foreign nationals cannot travel to Canada, even if they have a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA).
Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or protected person can travel to and enter Canada. However, foreign nationals including United States citizens can travel to Canada only if they meet the entry requirements set by the government.
Canada-U.S. border opening
By taking a risk-based and measured approach to re-opening its borders, the government of Canada has prioritized the health and safety of everyone in the country.
If the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favorable on September 7, 2021, the government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travelers who have completed the full course of vaccination with an accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering the country and who meet specific entry requirements.
Canada has planned to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents from August 9, 2021.
As part of Canada’s efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prevent importation, all travelers are required to digitally provide contact and quarantine information upon and after entry into the country through ArriveCAN.
Fully vaccinated travelers who meet the requirements will be exempt from quarantine. Border measures remain subject to change as the epidemiological situation evolves.
Can U.S. citizens travel to Canada during COVID-19?
To be eligible to travel to Canada as a U.S. citizen, you must meet the requirements for one of the following:
1. An immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident staying in Canada for 15 days or more:
2. An immediate family member of a Canadian citizen, or permanent resident
3. Staying in Canada for 15 days or more
4. Extended family members of a Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act or permanent resident:
5. You’re an extended family member of a Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or permanent resident
6. You’re staying in Canada for 15 days or more
7. You have written authorization from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
8. A person who is authorized by the Public Health Agency of Canada to travel to Canada for compassionate reasons
9. A person who’s participating in an International Single-Sport Event (ISSE)
You must be exempt from the travel restrictions and travel directly from the U.S. for a non-discretionary purpose
Can U.S. citizens travel to Canada without a passport?
Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada must carry proof of both citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport or passport card is preferred, although a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, citizenship certificate, or another document proving U.S. nationality, together with a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) are acceptable to establish identity and nationality. However, the documents required to return to the United States can be more restrictive.
The permanent residents of the United States are required to show their Permanent Resident Card (green card) to travel to Canada, no passport or visa is required.
Can U.S. Citizens Travel to Canada with Expired Passports?
While Canadian law allows all American citizens entering Canada to show government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver’s License) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport to enter, the United States does not accept these documents.
U.S. citizens who travel to Canada by air must present a valid passport to re-enter the United States. When entering by land or sea, a passport, passport card, or other approved WHTI and WHTI-compliant document must be presented.
Both the U.S. and Canadian governments urge frequent travelers to join the NEXUS trusted traveler program. NEXUS members receive a special travel card that allows expedited border crossings for both private and commercial travelers through both U.S. and Canadian border controls.
Can U.S. Citizens Travel to Canada with Enhanced Driver’s Licenses?
The enhanced driver’s license is a card that functions both as a driving license and ID card with limited passport features issued in some provinces in Canada, in some states in the United States, and for the people who are both citizens of the country and residents in the relevant region, compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
The enhanced driver’s license is specifically designed to re-enter the United States through land or water but not via air travel. An EDL will also suffice as proof of identity and citizenship for American citizens entering Canada via land and marine ports of entry.
FAQs on USA Citizens Travel to Canada
What is NEXUS?
Table of Contents
NEXUS is a joint U.S./Canadian program for pre-approved, low-risk travelers and requires an extensive background check and a face-to-face interview with border officials of both nations.
What is FAST?
Table of Contents
FAST (Free and Secure Trade) is the equivalent for international truck drivers. Membership in either program can expedite border clearance through the use of dedicated lanes.
What documents do the children under 16 require to travel to Canada from the U.S.?
Table of Contents
Children under 16 need only present proof of U.S. citizenship. Nevertheless, it is recommended that identification for children be carried anyway. Any person under 18 traveling alone requires a letter from a parent or guardian granting permission to travel to Canada.
What are the grounds for inadmissibility to Canada?
Table of Contents
Security reasons, Human or International Rights violation, criminality, health reasons, financial reasons, misrepresentation, having an inadmissible family member are some major grounds for inadmissibility to Canada.
Are U.S. citizens required visas to visit Canada?
Table of Contents
A visa is not required for U.S. citizens to visit Canada for up to 180 days. The Canadian embassy or nearest consulate can be contacted for additional information.
