Trudeau says fully vaccinated Americans may be allowed into Canada by August

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that fully vaccinated Americans may be allowed into Canada as early as August.

Trudeau made the announcement during a call with Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers, according to a readout of the call. 

During the call, Trudeau “noted the ongoing discussions with the United States on reopening plans, and indicated that we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel,” the readout stated.

Trudeau further indicated that Canada could be in position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September, provided that “our current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue.”

Just under 80 percent of Canadians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine have gotten at least one dose, and 54 percent are fully vaccinated.

“First Ministers expressed their support of reopening plans, and agreed on the importance of ensuring clarity and predictability as initial steps are taken,” the readout stated. “The Prime Minister indicated that ministers would share more details on these plans early next week.”

Restrictions on nonessential travel across the U.S.-Canadian border were extended last month through July 21. The border has been closed to nonessential travel since March 2020.

Earlier this month, Canada eased some restrictions on fully vaccinated Canadian residents traveling abroad. Residents would be allowed to skip a 14-day quarantine period, and those who travel on planes will no longer have to spend three days in a hotel when reentering.