Trips across the border from British Columbia could be costly

The closed border between Canada and the United States has kept family members apart and had devastating effects on businesses close to the border on both sides. While Canada opened its borders to fully vaccinated Americans in the summer, the United States did not follow suit. However, people from British Columbia and other provinces will be allowed access soon. 

When the United States first announced plans to reopen its borders, people who received mixed vaccine doses were concerned that they might be refused entry. However, the U.S. government announced that any combination of vaccines and proper proof thereof would be allowed to cross into the United States after November 8. 

PCR tests are costly

People travelling from Canada will be required to show proof of complete vaccinations at the U.S. border. However, unlike Canada, those travellers will not have to show negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests as well. In contrast, Canada requires proof of negative PCR tests conducted within 72 hours before a border crossing into Canada. 

When people from British Columbia or elsewhere in Canada take trips south of the border, they will have to show negative PCR tests upon their return. However, PCR tests could cost up to $200, and Canadians on trips lasting more than 72 hours will have to undergo new tests before crossing the border on their return trip.  

With frequent changes to requirements for border crossings in both directions, travellers would be advised to seek guidance on the latest regulations. Understanding the PCR test requirements and proof of vaccinations for travellers in both directions could avoid delays at the border, or worse, denied entry.