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In a conference call Thursday with Canadian officials, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada plans to allow vaccinated Americans to cross the border for non-essential travel by next month.

According to a readout of the call, Trudeau “noted that, if [Canada’s] current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue, Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September. [Trudeau] noted the ongoing discussions with the United States on reopening plans, and indicated that [Canada] could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel.”

The informal announcement lacked any formal policy details or logistics, but it reflected a shift in the Trudeau administration’s thinking, which has resisted pressure to reopen the border sooner. The border has been closed to non-essential travel since March 2020.

The BNP has been vocal about the need to reopen the border as soon as possible. We recognize that the continued border closure has caused significant economic and cultural damage, which is why we called for its opening in April.

In May, the BNP teamed up with Ontario’s Greater Niagara and Hamilton Chambers of Commerce to explain the benefits reopening the border would have for our binational economy.

The BNP has also communicated with federal lawmakers about the need to reopen the border as soon as possible, and we thank Sen. Schumer, Rep. Higgins, and Rep. Jacobs for their efforts on this issue.

Although this decision is long overdue, the BNP is pleased to see progress. As the Trudeau administration releases more formal guidance in the coming weeks, the BNP will keep members informed on what you need to know to cross the border.