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[title]Like many countries around the world, only time will tell when Canada's border will reopen to globetrotting travelers; until that happens, there are travel restrictions and exemptions and place that make it possible for some people to come up to the Great White North.
Can I travel to Canada right now?
According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), there are travel restrictions in place on all ports of entry into Canada right now, but some exemptions are made when a border officer is taking your reasons for entry into consideration. Above all, travelling to Canada for non-essential reasons like tourism, recreation or entertainment isn't allowed; you can expect to be denied entry if you're travelling to Canada for any of those reasons.
While it likely goes without saying, anyone who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter the country, no matter the reason for travelling to Canada.
A big question currently revolves around the Canada-U.S. border right now, as this dividing line has been long regarded as the world's largest unmilitarized border. However, travel restrictions against U.S. citizens and permanent residents continue to be in place for the moment, especially so long as the current infection and death rates in the States continues.
Can I travel from Canada right now?
Yes, but generally speaking, all non-essential travel isn't encouraged. Unless you're leaving from Canada with a good reason for travel (business, healthcare, repatriation elsewhere, etc.), the Canadian government recommends that you avoid travel at this time.
As it stands, many countries around the world have put travel or border restrictions in place—think movement restrictions and quarantines—so it's advised that you stay put if you're already within Canadian borders. Airlines continue to suspend flights, airports are closing and exit bans are still frequent.
Whatever travel plans you might have, they could be disrupted by your destination's own restrictions.
The CBSA is advising that Canadian travellers should return to Canada as soon as possible.
So, who can travel to Canada right now?
Canada is making exemptions for those who are coming for 'non-discretionary' travel at the moment. Some examples of this type of travel include coming to work or study; being a part of critical infrastructure support; offering economic services or having involvement with supply chains; and working with health, immediate medical care, safety or security services.
On June 8 at 11:59PM EST, Canada also began to allow Canadian citizens outside of the country and foreign nationals who are immediate family members back into the country, a decisiosn that was made to help reunite families who were seperated by the outbreak. These can include spouses or common-law partners; immediate dependent children or a dependent child of the person's spouse or common-law partner; parents or step-parents, or the parents or step-parents of a person's spouse or common-law partner; and guardians or tutors.
While this has been established, anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be denied entry, even if they fall under any of the permissions listed above.
A full breakdown of who can travel to Canada can be found here.
What happens if I travel to Canada?
According to the CBSA, travellers are currently required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering while travelling, but there are some exceptions to this rule. Children under two (2) years old, people who have trouble breathing, and people who are unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Barring driving in over the border—and assuming someone is traveling by "federally regulated transportation" like buses or trains—travellers should expect to be asked to wear a non-medical mask or face covering whenever it's possible, especially when interacting with others in sitautions where you can't maintain a distance of two (2) metres apart.
Anyone who crosses the border into Canada should be prepared to quarantine for at least 14 days.
Is travel within Canada permitted right now?
Yes, but while all non-essential travel between cities and towns and provinces isn't encouraged, it is permitted.
Whether you've already been living in Canada since the borders closed or you've just arrived and have finished quarantine, you should expect to be asked to wear a mask throughout your travel (with the exception of a personal vehicle); otherwise you may be denied passage.
Each province in Canada has its own rules regarding entry and mobility, however. It's not unusual to be stopped while you're on the road by the police, for example, and be asked where you're going or if you're exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19.
If you need to travel, it's recommended that you avoid large crowds or crowded areas and avoid contact with sick people. Exhibit good hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, use alcohol-based (with a minimum of 60% alcohol) sanitizer and keep some on your person as your travel, and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette by letting loose into your elbow. Try to use a face mask whenever possible.
For more information, visit the Canadian government's website regarding travel restrictions and exemptions.