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(The Canadian Press)

Canadian travel restrictions remain in place for long weekend

Jul 31, 2020 | 8:56 AM

OTTAWA, ON – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding travellers that travel restrictions are still in place at all Canadian international border crossings.

This comes as we approach the August long weekend. The CBSA says these measures will remain in place until at least August 21 and may be extended.

All travel of an optional or discretionary nature, including tourism, recreation and entertainment, is covered by these restrictions across all ports of entry in all modes of travel.

That includes by land, marine, air and rail.

Foreign nationals, including United States citizens, will not be allowed to come into Canada for any of the following examples of discretionary travel:

· Opening or checking on a cottage or seasonal home

· Sightseeing and hiking

· Boating across the border

· Fishing or hunting

· Visiting friends or partners (outside of spouses or common-law)

· Attending a party or celebrations

· Picking up a pet

The CBSA said that asymptomatic immediate family members, spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the immediate family member definition and are coming to Canada for a minimum of 15 days will be exempt from the prohibition from entering the country for a discretionary purpose.

Unless exempt, boaters are not currently allowed to enter Canadian waters or boundary waters for discretionary reasons. These reasons include touring, sightseeing and pleasure fishing.

The CBSA has temporarily halted or reduced service at some small vessel reporting sites, small airports of entry, ferry terminals and to the Remote Area Border Crossing program.

A list of sites that remain open during this temporary service suspension can be found here.