Driving to the U.S.? Process expected to be smooth for vaccinated Canadians, says federal agency

A federal agency in the U.S. tasked with providing travel advice to people heading into the States is suggesting Canadians aren’t expected to encounter many problems driving across the border as of Monday.

That’s when the U.S. is relaxing measures, allowing fully vaccinated Canadians in for non-essential travel.

“All they need to do is bring with them their proof of … full vaccination, so at least 14 days after the final shot of their series, and they’ll simply need to show that to a Customs and Border Protection officer, and give a verbal attestation about their reason for travelling,” explained Aaron Wodin-Schwartz, the senior vice president for public affairs at Brand USA.

Children under 18 are exempt from the vaccine policy.

“I know a lot of people are looking at roadtrips because it’s a nice way to get out there and travel with your own little group, and to really take a longer quality trip.”

Rules differ slightly for those flying into the U.S., with Wodin-Schwartz noting air travellers will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or antigen test.

Again, children under the age of 18 are exempt from the vaccine requirement but must adhere to testing rules if flying in, he adds.

Despite the border not completely reopening to everyone, Wodin-Schwartz says there’s a lot of excitement about the return of Canadians.

“We continue to push out inspirational content to keep people dreaming and travel dreaming, to keep that demand high even though, in many cases, people have not been able to come here,” he said.

“I’m very excited, our entire travel industry is excited, and honestly, communities of all sizes and shapes around this country are very excited to be opening our borders and arms once again for our Canadian visitors, in many cases Canadian friends and neighbours,” he added.

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Wodin-Schwartz notes the changes coming Monday aren’t just for fully vaccinated Canadians — they also apply to people from around the world who have received a full course of vaccination will once again be able to make trips.

Vaccines accepted by the U.S. are those that are either approved by the Food and Drug Administration or those that are on the World Health Organization’s emergency-use list.

He says this is a moment Brand USA and its partners have been preparing for throughout the pandemic.

While negative COVID-19 tests are not required for fully vaccinated Canadians heading into the U.S. by land, they are still required for entry into Canada. That’s something health officials have said is under review, though any potential changes to policy aren’t expected before Monday.

-With files from OMNI News