Canada to relax border testing requirement on Nov. 30

Canadian officials have set Nov. 30 as the date that border-crossing rules will be relaxed for Canadians who make short trips to the U.S.

Though Canada allowed non-essential travel across the land border to resume on Nov. 8 for people who are fully-vaccinated, it currently requires people crossing the border to show proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test, such as a PCR test. Less costly antigen tests are not accepted.

The requirement has limited short trips across the border, such as residents of Fort Frances and Thunder Bay who want to visit family or go shopping in Minnesota or Minnesotans who want to visit northwestern Ontario.

On Nov. 30, the testing requirement will be dropped for fully-vaccinated Canadians who spend less than 72 hours in the U.S. A molecular test will still be required for Canadians returning to the country after more than 72 hours away.

The change does not apply to U.S. residents, who will still need to submit a negative result from a molecular test for trips to Canada.

Travelers entering Canada are also required to submit information via the ArriveCAN app.

"The situation at our borders remains closely monitored, with officials and experts continuing their work to evaluate the measures in place and recommend necessary adjustments as required," the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, said in a Friday news release.

The U.S. does not have any testing requirement for people entering from Canada.

Canadian officials also announced that they will tighten requirements for some travellers who are currently exempt. Starting Jan. 15, international students, athlets, people with work permits, essential workers, and people travelling to reunite with family will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully-vaccinated.