To protect Canadians from the outbreak of COVID-19, the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, announced travel restrictions that limit travel to Canada. Until further notice, most foreign nationals cannot travel to Canada, even if they have a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA).

In March, Canada had closed its international borders to non-essential travel until at least June 30, 2020. Last month the Canadian government further provided an update confirming that the travel ban on international travelers will be extended through at least July 31. Note that The United States is not included in this ban, but a separate travel ban is in place specifically for the U.S.

Canada’s new Order in Council stating that the travel restrictions will now expire at 23:59:59 EDT on July 31 can be found here https://orders-in-council.canada.ca/

Pursuant to the above order, travel exemptions are available only for immediate family members who are staying for more than 15 days or who are coming to Canada for an essential reason, skilled workers, and others. Travelers must also demonstrate to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) that they are travelling for an essential reason in order to be granted entry to Canada. “Essential” refers to travel for reasons that are non-discretionary and non-optional.

This decision by the Canadian government reaffirms Prime Minister Trudeau’s efforts to keep Canadian safe and avoid the risk of being exposed to a second wave of coronavirus cases.

Trudeau while speaking to media last month had also stated that he would “like to see a return to international travel so we can get people coming and supporting our local communities and seeing business travel pick up again.” He added that before that happens, “we need to make sure we are keeping Canadians safe.”

Refer to this link on the official government website to learn more about the information on exempt travelers who will be allowed to enter Canada and the mandatory quarantine requirements that travelers must keep in mind.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/travel-restrictions-exemptions.html

We will continue to provide updates on further processing changes, including when the travel restrictions will be lifted.

Donoso & Partners, a leading immigration law firm based in Washington, D.C., will continue to report on developments regarding the immigration law and policy through our news section of donosolaw.com.