Canada-U.S. border closed until September 21

Shelby Thevenot
Published: August 21, 2020

Canada is extending the border closure with the U.S. for another month, in a continued effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Public Safety Minister Bill Blair announced that the border would remain closed to non-essential travel last week. The closure is being extended from August 21 to September 21. This is now the fifth extension to the travel ban between the two neighbouring countries. In July, Canada also imposed stricter rules for U.S. travellers transiting between Alaska and the contiguous states.

Travellers from the U.S. can only come to Canada for an essential reason. There are some exemptions such as Canadians coming from the U.S., immediate family members of Canadians, and U.S. students in some cases. Temporary workers are allowed to pass through to work in critical infrastructure and support supply chains. It is also still possible to travel to Canada from the U.S. for the purposes of immigration.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

However, travel for tourism, recreation, or entertainment is still prohibited. Blair tweeted on Friday, August 14, that "We will continue to do what is necessary to keep our communities safe." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed this sentiment, saying that this step is to “keep people in both our countries safe.”

A Nanos survey from July suggests most Canadians support keeping the border closed. About 81 per cent said the border should stay closed, the Globe and Mail reports, while 14 per cent said it should open to areas where infection rates are low. Three per cent said the border should open immediately and two per cent said they are unsure.

As of August 17, the U.S. had 5,258,565 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, the most of any country in the world, according to the World Health Organization’s report. Canada, on the other hand, reported 121,652 total confirmed cases.

The Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Dr. Theresa Tam, told reporters that Canada is in “quite a good position right now.” CBC reported that Tam said Canada has been able to flatten the curve with “aggressive public health measures.”

Even so, a recent survey from Leger found that 61 per cent of Canadians are afraid of contracting COVID-19, which is six per cent more than the week before.

Canada also recently extended its border closure to most foreigners outside of the U.S. until August 31, with exemptions, despite an open letter from international airlines urging the government to ease restrictions to European travellers.

The travel restrictions are reviewed every 30 days. The updated travel restrictions between Canada and the U.S. will be available next month, and the order on foreign travellers outside of the U.S. should be available before the end of August.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

© 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Canadian and United States border authorities crack down on flagpoling
A picture of the border crossing to Canada.
Some citizens of Mexico now require a visa to visit Canada
A Mexican and Canadian flag together in diagonal arrangement.
How can I move to Canada from the U.S.?
Canada and US Flags flying next to eachother
Canada to remove all COVID-19 related travel restrictions on October 1
Travellers will no longer need proof of vaccination to enter Canada
Top Stories
IRCC’s application backlog shows steady increase over the summer
New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot: Who are the employers and what positions do they hire for?
IRCC issues 500 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class candidates in second Express Entry draw this week
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Express Entry
IRCC issues 500 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class candidates in second Express Entry draw this week
Rural road with fall foliage
October 2024: State of the Express Entry pool
A group of people walking through a popular square in Canada.
How many ITAs has Canada issued through Express Entry this year vs. last year?
A view of a mountain through fall leaves.
IRCC issues 4,000 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class candidates in latest Express Entry draw
A view of a river in Canada during a summer day, with kayaks and canoes making their way through.
Link copied to clipboard