Ban on Most US-to-Canada Entry

Summary#

The Public Health Agency of Canada issued the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) under the Quarantine Act. It largely keeps most foreign nationals in the United States from entering Canada for optional travel and runs until November 21, 2020 (the order was made on October 20, 2020).

What it does#

• Keeps in place a ban on most foreign nationals entering Canada from the United States for optional or discretionary travel (for example, tourism, recreation, entertainment).
• Bars anyone from entering from the United States if they know or suspect they have COVID‑19, or have COVID‑19 symptoms (for example, fever and cough or breathing difficulties).
• Stops entry by people who cannot meet the mandatory quarantine or isolation requirements that apply on arrival.
• Sets special rules for refugee claimants. Some claimants can only enter at designated land ports, and other limits apply.
• Restricts international students coming from the United States to those attending a government-listed institution that can meet quarantine requirements.
• Allows some exceptions, such as immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents (subject to conditions), people coming on compassionate grounds, and certain other narrow categories.
• Repeals an earlier order of the same name and extends the restrictions until November 21, 2020.

Who's affected#

• Most foreign nationals who are in the United States and want to enter Canada for optional travel.
• People with COVID‑19 symptoms or who know they are infected — they cannot enter.
• Refugee claimants trying to cross from the United States — specific rules and designated entry points apply.
• International students with study permits who are coming from the United States — they may be allowed only if their school is on a government “listed” list.
• Immediate family members and certain extended family can sometimes enter, but they must meet specific conditions and paperwork requirements.
• The order does not apply to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, some protected persons, people registered under the Indian Act, or others specifically exempted by the order.

Why it matters#

• It reduces the chance of new COVID‑19 cases being brought into Canada from the United States.
• It affects travel plans, family reunions, student arrivals, and refugee processing for people crossing the land border from the United States.
• People who break the rules face serious penalties under the Quarantine Act — up to $1,000,000 in fines or three years in prison, or both.
• If you plan to travel from the United States to Canada, you should check whether you meet an exception and whether your destination or purpose is allowed before you try to cross.