Canada to Reopen Border to Foreign Tourists: Massive Preparations Needed

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision to open the Canadian border to foreign tourists in about 30 days will require significant preparations to avoid congestion and confusion, business groups warn. The Canadian government is expected to provide more information on July 19, but concerns are rising about the ability to process a large number of travelers efficiently. Business groups have expressed concerns about the processing time at Canadian land border checkpoints, which has increased to five minutes per vehicle, and the need to develop a vaccine passport that provides secure certification of vaccination.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Canadian government has announced plans to reopen the border to foreign tourists in about 30 days, with mid-August expected to be the starting point for non-essential travel between the US and Canada.
  • Business groups, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, have warned that massive preparations are needed to avoid congestion and confusion at border checkpoints.
  • The processing time at Canadian land border checkpoints has increased to five minutes per vehicle, from 32 seconds, due to a surge in travel volumes expected after mid-August.
  • The Canadian government is expected to provide more information on July 19, but concerns are rising about the ability to implement a national system for tracking and managing travelers, including proof of vaccination.
  • The Ontario government is relying on the federal government to manage and track arrivals, citing the need for a single, national system to ensure Canadians' safety.
  • The US government has not made any announcements about reciprocating with the opening of the US-Canada border to fully vaccinated Canadians.
  • A Nanos research poll conducted in early July found 79% of respondents prioritized public health over the economy when making decisions about the border.

Statistics:

  • 79% of Canadians prioritize public health over the economy when making decisions about the border (Source: Nanos Research poll 2021).
  • Processing time at Canadian land border checkpoints has increased from 32 seconds to five minutes per vehicle (Source: Business groups).
  • The Canadian government plans to start allowing entry of fully vaccinated Americans in mid-August for non-essential travel (Source: The Globe and Mail).
  • The US government has not made any announcements about reciprocating with the opening of the US-Canada border to fully vaccinated Canadians (Source: U.S. Embassy in Ottawa).
  • 13 separate systems for tracking and managing individuals who enter or return to Canada currently in place (Source: Ontario government).

Sources:

  • "Canada prepares for influx of tourists as border reopens, but warnings of chaos and long wait times at U.S. crossing" by Jeff Gray and Steven Chase (The Globe and Mail).
  • Nanos Research poll 2021.
  • Ontario government statement.
  • U.S. Embassy in Ottawa statement.
  • Canadian Chamber of Commerce statement.
  • Tourism Industry Association of Canada statement.