Be patient and prepared: Border services

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This article was published 06/11/2021 (1641 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As the Canada-United States land border reopens for non-essential travel to Canadians Monday, border services on both sides are asking people to be patient and have all required documentation ready upon arrival.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) are warning travellers it’s going to be slower than usual at most land and ferry crossings.

“Every person arriving at the border will have to attest to their proof of vaccination and show proof upon request by a CBP officer,” said Matthew Davies, executive director of admissibility and passenger programs at CBP, on Thursday.

American authorities released details regarding international travel protocols during a live-streamed meeting Thursday. Davies explained fully vaccinated non-American citizens will be allowed to cross at all legal land and ferry crossings if they have proper documentation.

To make the process easier, all travellers must have their documentation ready for inspection. These include internationally-recognized documents, such as passports or visas. They must also have proof of full immunization with an approved COVID-19 vaccine. During the inspection, travellers must also verbally state their intention for travel and may be asked to present other documents.

Even though COVID-19 restrictions are top-of-mind, Davies reiterated border security and protecting American citizens is still their first priority.

“We will continue to protect the American people from illicit activity while supporting our country’s economy as it rebounds from the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Davies.

Canadian border services have similar sentiments, noting the importance of patience and being prepared.

Rebecca Purdy, senior spokesperson at CBSA, said the agency is reminding travellers that border measures remain in place for people entering or returning to Canada and that they understand their obligations.

Before leaving, travellers should check online if they are eligible to enter Canada and meet all entry requirements before heading to the border. Canadian residents can check with their home province or territory about getting COVID-19 proof of vaccination to facilitate their return.

Fully vaccinated travellers coming to Canada must complete the mandatory pre-arrival molecular COVID-19 test and submit their information, including their digital proof of vaccination in English or French using the free ArriveCAN (App or website) within 72 hours before arriving in Canada. Antigen tests, known as “rapid tests,” are not accepted.

Fully vaccinated travellers who can enter Canada will be subject to mandatory random testing upon arrival.

For trips that are less than 72 hours, Canadian citizens, people registered under the Indian Act, permanent residents and protected persons travelling to the United States are allowed to take their pre-arrival molecular test before they leave Canada. If the test is more than 72 hours old when they re-enter Canada, they will be required to get a new pre-arrival molecular test in the United States.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers who are eligible to enter Canada must continue to follow pre-arrival, arrival and day-eight molecular COVID-19 testing requirements, and quarantine for 14 days.

With tourism picking up again after a nearly two-year hiatus, more people will be visiting communities and venues. The cities of Brandon and Minot, N.D., have been favourite destinations for people touring close to the international border for decades.

Mayor Rick Chrest said with restrictions slowly lifting, tourists can start visiting, and cities on both sides of the border can resume business and leisure relationships.

“Certainly we are thrilled that health orders and guidelines are gradually returning many things towards more normalcy and to see elements of international travel resuming as well,” Chrest said. “We have had a long and positive relationship with many locations in the United States and we share a common desire to work with each other and enjoy tourism, business relationships and personal connections.”

“We look forward to seeing our lives continue to get more and more back to normal as we all learn to manage COVID-19.”

City officials in Minot did not respond by press time.

» kmckinley@brandonsun.com