On September 7, 2021, provided that Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favourable, the federal government intends to open Canada’s borders for recreational travel by fully-vaccinated travellers from any country. Fully vaccinated travellers are those 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, 2021, 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 recreational 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.

Fully vaccinated travellers must also:

• provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal) including proof of vaccination prior to departing for Canada (subject to limited exceptions);
• meet the pre-entry testing requirements;
• be asymptomatic upon arrival; and
• have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation in English or French (or certified translation, along with the original) ready to show a government official on request.

We encourage all tourism businesses to share information around this next phase of re-opening, so we can all be ready to welcome back visitors first from the US, and then around the world. We will update our Messaging Guidance for BC's Tourism Industry prior to August 9, but for now, here are some key messages to share with your partners:

• Visitors can feel confident in making travel plans as tourism businesses throughout Canada have made huge investments in new hygiene protocols.  
• Canada’s adult population has one of the world’s highest rates of COVID-19 vaccination.
• Travel to Canada is going to be different than it was prior to the pandemic.  
• We encourage all travellers to be fully informed of the pre-entry and on-arrival public health and testing requirements both federally and provincially. This includes the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app. Travellers should plan for extra time in the lead up, and upon the arrival of their trip. 
• For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada's Travel and Tourism page.   

In alignment, Destination BC will launch marketing campaigns for US and international markets beginning in August, with more details available soon. Throughout the pandemic, Destination BC has continued to work in lockstep with federal and provincial government partners, and any new marketing campaigns or existing campaign extension tactics will continue to fall in line with BC’s Restart Plan.