Canada Eases Travel Restrictions, US Extends Them

This week, the Canadian government announced that it will “implement a risk-based and measured approach to re-open its borders,” as it announced via a press release. A day after Canada’s announcement, the US Department of Homeland Security announced that travel restrictions at its land borders with Mexico and Canada would be extended until August 21.

Canada Relaxes Restrictions

In its announcement, the Canadian government praised the efforts made by its citizens, which allowed the country to considerably decrease COVID-19 cases. For that reason, the country developed a structured plan to resume non-essential travel. Starting on August 9, Canada wants to allow entry to US citizens and permanent residents currently residing in the US, just as long as they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entry. This is a preliminary step that will allow the country to adapt its border operations to adjust to safer measures against COVID-19 in preparation for future entries, according to the Canadian government. From that date, international flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at the following five airports: Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport, Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and Edmonton International Airport.

On September 7, the Canadian Government plans to open its borders to fully vaccinated travelers from any country, as long as they have been vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entry with a vaccine approved by the Canadian government. “A gradual approach to reopening will allow our health authorities to monitor the COVID-19 situation here and abroad,” said Patty Hajdu, the Canadian Minister of Health.

This measure could impact Mexico’s aviation and tourism industries. For example, Mexican airline Aeroméxico saw a significant cut in international flights since the start of the pandemic but it is reopening routes as other countries ease their travel restrictions. For example, it recently increased the number of flights it offers to the EU after several countries in the region eased travel restrictions for vaccinated international travelers, as reported by MBN. Canada’s move to ease travel restrictions could also impact international demand for Mexican airlines in the future.

US Extends Travel Restrictions

A day after Canada’s announcement, the US announced that its land borders to Mexico and the US would remain closed to non-essential travel, reported Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Relations in a tweet. Those traveling from Mexico to the US by air must present proof of a negative PCR or antigen test.