Border crossing rules between B.C and the U.S. change yet again

British Columbia residents who frequently travel between Seattle and Vancouver must, once again, familiarize themselves with the border crossing rules. Heavy storms last November caused floods that left major highways washed out. The only option for those travelling by car in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland was to travel through the U.S. 

Other travel challenges

Due to flood-related road closures, B.C. residents risked running out of essentials. Supply chain interruptions followed rationed gas, and people travelled across the border to get the most critical supplies. However, the pandemic-related requirements – such as quarantine as well as pre-entry and arrival testing – would have made it impossible. 

Exemptions were put in place to travel back and forth across the border, but only for essential travel. Criteria for such travel also required those trips to last less than 24 hours. Nonessential trips like vacations, visiting family and shopping for nonessentials were excluded from exemptions. 

The end of border exemptions

Permanent or temporary repairs to washed away roads made it possible to allow traffic flow again. Therefore, the exemptions were set to end on the evening of Jan. 31. Right now, pandemic-related border-crossing regulations once again apply to all. All the rules that the authorities waived for people impacted by flood damage are back in effect again.  

Times like now could be confusing, and nobody wants to get to the border just to be refused entry due to pandemic rules and quarantine requirements. Therefore, it might be good to know all the effective regulations before heading for the border. Given the rate of changes and adjustments to immigration and border crossing laws, it might be wise to seek reliable updates provided by a legal professional in British Columbia.