How To Avoid A Massive Fine When Visiting Canada After it Reopens

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There are a whole lot of people who are chomping at the bit to go to Canada for non-essential travel when our border to the north finally re-opens on August 9th.

The Canadian government has released all of the requirements for those who will want to enter the country. Briefly, they will:

• Allow discretionary (non-essential) travel for fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents, currently residing in the U.S., who meet all required criteria. This includes the need to submit information electronically through ArriveCAN.
• Allow entry of unvaccinated children under 12 years of age, or unvaccinated dependent children (due to a mental or physical condition), who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently residing in the U.S. and who are accompanying a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor who either has a right to enter Canada (e.g., Canadian citizens and permanent residents), is a U.S. citizen and permanent resident currently residing in the U.S, or is otherwise is permitted entry under the US Prohibition on Entry Order made under the Quarantine Act. They must meet all other required criteria, including submitting information electronically through ArriveCAN and all testing requirements.
• Travelers who do not meet all the required eligibility requirements for discretionary (non-essential) travel will be denied entry into Canada, precluded from boarding their flight, and/or could face additional fines on arrival.

Unvaccinated travelers will still be allowed into the country for emergencies, work and other life-or-death situations, but with quarantine requirements.

Those who think rules weren’t made for them, or who like to live on the wild side, don’t think you’ll be able to get around any of these rules. Two Americans just got hit with fines of about U.S. $16,000 each because they tried to get away with not following what was required of them.

It didn’t work.

Several news outlets are reporting that in mid-July, The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued fines to two passengers arriving in Toronto from the U.S., due to non-compliance with the country’s entry requirements.

Each traveler received four fines – a total of CAN $19,720 per traveler – because they provided fake vaccination credentials and pre-departure tests. They were also non-compliant with Canada’s quarantine rules (Canada’s quarantine requirement for vaccinated visitors will end the day they open the border. Until then, all travelers who fly in need to stay at a government-approved hotel for three nights [at a cost to the traveler of CAN $1500+], or until they receive a negative COVID test).

Not surprisingly, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) works closely with domestic and international partners to detect and intercept fraudulent documents.

So if you’re planning on going to Canada after the border reopens, make sure you follow the rules. Two Americans will be $16,000 poorer because they thought they could beat the system.

They couldn’t.

Feature Photo: Mac Pixel

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary