Heavy fines follow false vaccination declarations at the border

Anyone who considers crossing the border from the United States into British Columbia might want to note a recent incident at one U.S.-Canada border crossing. Right now, Canadian border officials require travellers to provide proof that they are virus-free. Furthermore, they must show arrangements made for a mandatory 14-day quarantine after a successful border crossing. 

News release

Canada Immigration reported restrictions for vaccinated Americans would ease on Aug. 9. In the meantime, current restrictions are still enforced strictly. However, on July 28, two travellers from the United States tried to enter Canada without complying with regulations. Each of them was fined almost $20,000 for four different violations. 

According to a news release by the Public Health Agency of Canada, the two individuals presented Canadian border officials with fake vaccine cards and falsified proofs of negative Covid-19 tests. Furthermore, it was determined that both travellers failed to comply with the mandated 14-day quarantine to be spent at an accommodation authorized by the Canadian government. Additionally, they also failed to undergo the compulsory virus test upon arrival. 

Potential punishment

The Public Health Agency recently issued a statement related to noncompliance regulations. Disregarding quarantine instructions could bring about a fine of $5,000 for every day of noncompliance. Likewise, submitting false vaccination-related information carries a six-month prison sentence and a fine of $750,000, or even both. 

Eased restrictions are imminent, as Canada plans the reopening of its borders with the United States. As of Aug. 9, permanent U.S. residents and citizens who are fully vaccinated will be allowed to cross the border into Canada.

However, pre-entry virus tests and a quarantine plan will remain requirements for entry. To avoid heavy fines or even prison time, U.S. travellers with intentions to visit British Columbia or other Canadian provinces will certainly want to become familiar with Canadian immigration requirements before they arrive at a border crossing.