Entry Ban from U.S. for Foreign Nationals

Summary#

This is the Order in Council called Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States). It bars most foreign nationals from entering Canada from the United States from May 22, 2020 until June 21, 2020, with a set of limited exceptions.

What it does#

• Prohibits foreign nationals (as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act) from entering Canada from the U.S. if they have COVID‑19 symptoms or are reasonably suspected to have them (for example, fever and cough, or fever and breathing difficulties).
• Prohibits foreign nationals from entering for optional or discretionary purposes, such as tourism, recreation, or entertainment.
• Prohibits foreign nationals whose planned stay or purpose means they cannot meet the 14‑day quarantine/isolation rules set out in the related Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 2.
• Sets special rules for people who want to make a refugee claim: most such claims from the U.S. are blocked unless the person meets specific conditions (for example, entering at a land port designated by the Minister and meeting certain regulation criteria, or being a U.S. citizen).
• Keeps some exemptions, including people registered under the Indian Act, people the Chief Public Health Officer says do not pose a public‑health risk, and certain protected persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• Applies to all modes of travel (air, land, sea). It also repeals the earlier P.C. 2020-263 version and replaces it for the period May 22, 2020 to June 21, 2020.

Who's affected#

• Mainly foreign nationals trying to enter Canada from the United States for leisure or other non‑essential reasons.
• People with symptoms of COVID‑19 who try to cross from the U.S.
• People trying to make a refugee claim from the U.S.; some are still allowed but only under tight conditions.
• Transporters, airlines, border workers, and businesses that rely on cross‑border travel and tourism will notice the restriction.
• The order does not detail in this text what happens for Canadian citizens or permanent residents; it focuses on foreign nationals as defined in law.

Why it matters#

• It is a public‑health measure aimed at reducing imported COVID‑19 cases and slowing community spread.
• It limits tourism and many types of cross‑border travel, which affects individuals and businesses that depend on movement between the two countries.
• The order keeps essential trade and necessary travel moving, while tightening who else may enter.
• Failure to comply with related Quarantine Act measures can carry serious penalties — up to $1,000,000 in fines or three years in prison, or both.