Canada-US land border to remain closed through October 21

The border has been closed since mid-March to all non-essential travel on both sides, and every month, officials meet to discuss whether to continue with, modify or end the bilateral agreement to keep the border closed.

Bill Blair, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, announced the extension of the closure of the border this morning, keeping it closed for another month: “We are extending non-essential travel restrictions with the United States until October 21st, 2020. We will continue to base our decisions on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe,” Blair tweeted.

Air travel between the two countries is currently possible for non-essential purposes, albeit with certain restrictions. For example, people who have recently come from China, Brazil or the UK are temporarily barred from flying.

Both countries have taken additional action to secure their borders at this time, including in one case erecting a cable barrier on the US side to prevent smuggling and other illegal actions related to crossing the border.

The Canadian government warns, however, that people who leave the country may find themselves unable to return depending on circumstances. They also reiterate that people who come back to Canada should self-quarantine for at least 14 calendar days upon arrival.