Can Americans Travel to Canada? 

Fully vaccinated travelers will have the easiest time getting into Canada from the U.S.
Kevin Berry
Jul 5, 2022

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Traveling in the COVID era comes with all sorts of questions, logistics and concerns that travelers didn't think about before 2020. Traveling to Canada, despite its proximity to the U.S., is no different.

In March 2020, the U.S. and Canada both closed their land borders to nonessential travel due to COVID-19. What started as a monthlong closure was extended 18 times.

So, if you gave up following the news or tracking border rules, you might be wondering: Can Americans travel to Canada? Currently, the short answer is yes — if you have proper identification and depending on your vaccination status, though you’ll have some hoops to jump through.

While not an official decision, you can take an online quiz hosted by the Canadian government to assess your eligibility to enter the country. Then, you’ll use the ArriveCAN app/system to prepare to cross the border. Use of the app or website is free, and it’s mandatory to submit the required information before your arrival.

Here's what Americans need to know about traveling to Canada.

What do Americans need to enter Canada?

As a U.S. citizen, you will need to provide proof of citizenship and identity to enter Canada. This can include a U.S. passport, passport card or a NEXUS card. No visa is required as long as your stay is under 180 days.

While the border between the U.S. and Canada reopened for nonessential travel in both directions in November 2021, there still remain several COVID-related protocols in place for entry.

Do you need to be vaccinated to enter Canada?

According to the Canadian government travel website, foreign nationals older than 18 must be fully vaccinated to enter the country for travel.

Nerdy tip: Canada considers fully vaccinated to mean two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine such as Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech or one dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine. You must also be at least 14 calendar days from your second dose and exhibiting no signs or symptoms of COVID-19.

It doesn't matter whether you're driving across a land border or flying; the same checklist applies when you use the ArriveCAN system for your trip:

  • Make sure you have your ArriveCAN receipt (with the letter A, I or V beside your name).

  • Upload proof of vaccination into the ArriveCAN system.

  • Have a valid entry document (e.g., passport), which you’ll also add to ArriveCAN.

While pre-entry COVID-19 tests are no longer required for fully vaccinated travelers, you must submit all required materials into the ArriveCAN system and get your receipt within 72 hours of your arrival into Canada. You should also be prepared for random COVID-19 testing upon arrival, especially at land borders. Fulfilling the Canada vaccine entry requirements is your best best for diminishing travel frustrations.

» Learn more: How to travel to Toronto on points and miles

Can unvaccinated people travel to Canada?

You can travel to Canada unvaccinated, but the process is more complicated and you must have an approved reason (tourism is not one of them).

According to the government website, the first thing you should do is take the online quiz to see if you qualify for unvaccinated travel into Canada. If you're 1) a U.S. citizen, 2) not fully vaccinated, and 3) traveling to Canada for tourism or leisure, the system will tell you that, "You will not be allowed to enter Canada, even if you have tested negative for COVID-19."

If you do qualify as an unvaccinated traveler, the site outlines four additional steps:

  • Get a pre-entry COVID-19 test.

  • Get your quarantine situation figured out.

  • Submit your information into the ArriveCAN system.

  • Register in advance for your arrival COVID-19 test.

The specifics of each step can be found at the links on the government's COVID-19 travel page.

» Learn more: TSA PreCheck or Global Entry — Which is right for you?

If you’re planning to travel to Canada

When can Americans travel to Canada? Immediately, assuming you meet the required rules for entering based on your vaccination status.

Americans visiting Canada should make sure to have their digital paperwork in order and uploaded to the ArriveCAN system within 72 hours of arrival. Fully-vaccinated U.S. citizens with valid documentation (passport, passport card, NEXUS card) will have the easiest time getting in.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2022, including those best for:

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