Canada to open border to vaccinated Americans

VICTORIA, British Columbia — The border closure between British Columbia and Washington will be lifted for some U.S. residents beginning Aug. 9.

Canada will allow vaccinated Americans into the country, provided they have been “fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada,” according to a press release. “All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, will still require a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test result.”

If the number of coronavirus cases doesn’t explode after that, the Canadian government plans for a broader opening Sept. 7.

To enter Canada, American travelers are required to use the ArriveCAN application or web portal, officials said.

Several more Canadian airports will also reopen to international travelers Aug. 9.

Should the spread of coronavirus increase Canadian officials said cross-border travel will be re-evaluated.

"Canadians' safety and security always come first,” Canadian Minister of Health Patty Hajdu said. “Canadians have worked hard and sacrificed for each other, and because of that work, we can take these next steps safely."

“We look forward to welcoming fully vaccinated Americans shortly,” Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Marco Mendicino added.

Canadian officials are warning travelers not to provide false vaccination information.

Submitting false vaccination information could lead to a $750,000 fine and up to six months in prison under Canada’s quarantine laws, officials said.