Canada extends travel restrictions by one more month

Canada has decided to extend the travel restrictions that were in place for foreign travelers since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Canada has issued a new Order in Council that declared that the travel restrictions are going to be extended until August 31 since safety is still an issue. The high number of COVID 19 cases abroad is making it difficult for Canada to open its borders once more.

Canada introduced the travel restrictions back in mid-March on March 18 when the pandemic took over the world. Initially, the restrictions were going to be in place until June 30. However, at the end of the period, the country decided to extend it until July 31. Now, it has been further extended for one more month because the country does not deem it safe to make allowances at the moment.

Who can enter Canada?

There are exemptions which are allowing certain people to enter the country even now. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states that the following categories of people can still enter the country:

• Canadian citizens
• Permanent residents
• People who were approved for permanent residence in Canada
• Certain temporary foreign workers
• Certain international students
• Immediate family members of permanent residents and Canadian citizens

Why the extension?

One of the main reasons why Canada took this decision is because there is a lot of difference in the COVID 19 situation in Canada and abroad. The number of COVID-19 cases is still increasing rapidly in many international hotspots, while Canada is currently experiencing a downward trend. Data sourced from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that COVID-19 cases are increasing daily all over the world.

Canada saw a peak in cases back in April, but the numbers have been steadily going down ever since. Hence, the country is prioritizing the safety of its citizens now.