The Canadian border will be open to vaccinated Americans August 9 and to visitors from the rest of the world September 7, the Canadian government announced yesterday.

The statement said that on September 7, provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favorable, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travellers who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements.

As a first step, starting August 9, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel. This preliminary step allows for the Government of Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7, and recognizes the many close ties between Canadians and Americans.

Subject to limited exceptions, all travellers must use ArriveCAN (app or web portal) to submit their travel information. If they are eligible to enter Canada and meet specific criteria, fully vaccinated travellers will not have to quarantine upon arrival in Canada.

Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement in response to the Canadian Government’s announcement that it will ease travel restrictions for fully vaccinated Americans, effective August 9:

“I am encouraged to hear that the Canadian Government has announced they will soon welcome fully vaccinated Americans to Canada once again. Vermonters value the close trading relationship and friendship we share with Canadians, and I know many are eagerly awaiting visiting again after more than 16 months.

“As Vermont leads the United States in vaccinations, and Canada makes great progress administering vaccines, now is the time to begin safely resuming non-essential travel, and I hope our federal government follows suit. The Green Mountain State looks forward to welcoming our neighbors to the north back to Vermont, I look forward to learning more from our federal partners in the coming days.”