U.S.–Canada Border Entry Ban Extended

Summary#

Two federal orders made under the Quarantine Act were published on June 27, 2020 (made June 19, 2020). One extends a temporary ban on most foreign nationals entering Canada from the United States until July 21, 2020. The other updates the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 2 so that national‑interest exemptions can carry public‑health conditions developed with the Minister of Health.

What it does#

• Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) (P.C. 2020‑469)

  • Keeps most foreign nationals in the United States from entering Canada for discretionary reasons (like tourism) or if they have COVID‑19 symptoms.
  • Allows entry for certain travellers who are not discretionary (for example, essential workers and cross‑border trade) and continues limited exemptions for trade in goods, food and medical supplies.
  • Permits immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to enter if they can show they intend to stay in Canada for at least 15 days (to allow for the 14‑day quarantine).
  • Limits refugee‑claim entries from the United States to specific locations and categories (including U.S. citizens in some cases).
  • Repeals the earlier, similar order (P.C. 2020‑442) and is in effect from 23:59:59 Eastern Daylight Time on the day it was made until 23:59:59 Eastern Daylight Time on July 21, 2020.

• Order Amending the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 2 (P.C. 2020‑468)

  • Replaces the definition of “quarantine” with a clearer phrase about separating people to prevent spread.
  • Fixes wording in the English text about having “access to the necessities of life.”
  • Makes explicit that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness can impose conditions on someone given a national‑interest exemption.
  • Adds a new requirement that any public‑health conditions for national‑interest exemptions be developed in consultation with the Minister of Health.
  • Comes into force at 23:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the day it was made.

• Penalties for breaking quarantine or related orders under the Quarantine Act remain severe: up to $1,000,000 in fines or three years in prison, or both.

Who's affected#

• Foreign nationals in the United States who planned to enter Canada for tourism or other discretionary purposes.
• Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who plan to enter Canada; they must generally show intent to stay 15 days to qualify for that specific exemption.
• People seeking to make refugee claims at the border from the United States — entry is limited to certain places and categories.
• Workers, business travellers, diplomats or others who might receive national‑interest exemptions — they may face specific public‑health conditions (testing, cohorting, work quarantine, etc.).
• Provincial, territorial and local public‑health authorities who may need to review or approve alternative measures tied to exemptions.

Why it matters#

• The orders are intended to reduce the risk of importing COVID‑19 from the United States while preserving essential trade and travel.
• They directly affect cross‑border travel plans and short‑term family reunions. People who planned to come to Canada for non‑essential reasons will be turned away.
• The amendment gives the government a clearer and more flexible way to allow specific people into Canada on public‑health terms. That can help bring in essential workers or projects while trying to protect local communities.
• Non‑compliance can carry heavy fines or jail time, so travellers should expect strict enforcement and quarantine rules if they are permitted to enter.