Immigration Alert: COVID-19 Travel Restrictions to Canada
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidance on when to consider postponing or canceling travel to certain international destinations by designating travel health notices as Level 1, 2, or 3, depending on the situation in that destination. While Canada is currently designated a Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions), certain restrictions are being put into place by the Canadian government regarding international visitors entering Canada, including visitors from the United States.
Specifically, Canada is banning entry by most non-Canadian citizens. Notably, U.S. citizens are exempt from the ban, and for now, can continue to travel to Canada. Canadian citizens, Permanent Canadian residents, immediate family members of Canadian citizens, diplomats, and air crews are still being allowed into Canada at this time. Note that holding a U.S. nonimmigrant visa or U.S. permanent resident status is not sufficient to qualify for the exemption.
Canada is also restricting inbound flights as a part of a series of measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. International flights will only permitted to land at a limited number of airports, including Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. Boats carrying more than 500 people are banned from docking at Canadian ports until July. All travelers arriving in Canada from international destinations are asked to consider self-isolating for 14 days. In addition, enhanced screening measures have been put into place at airports, as well as marine, land, and rail ports of entry.
While the Department of State advises against traveling abroad due to the global impact of COVID-19, if international travel cannot be avoided, you should review not only the CDC’s travel health notices for the destination, but also any restrictions put into place by the country of destination.
If you have any questions regarding travel, we encourage you to contact your Vorys attorney.
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Vorys COVID-19 Task Force
Vorys attorneys and professionals are counseling our clients in the myriad issues related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We have also established a comprehensive Coronavirus Task Force, which includes attorneys with deep experience in the niche disciplines that we have been and expect to continue receiving questions regarding coronavirus. Learn more and see the latest updates from the task force at vorys.com/coronavirus.
