Fully vaccinated tourists will soon be able to visit Canada again

Federal government officials are expected to make a long-awaited update announcement this morning regarding the reopening of Canada's border.

The government shut its border to foreign travellers and implemented strict measures for non-essential workers in March 2020, but Ottawa has hinted that now that COVID-19 cases are dropping and vaccination rates are rising, it is open to easing those rules.

The issue was raised during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's call with premiers late last week.

"The prime minister noted that, if our current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue, Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travellers from all countries by early September," notes a readout from that call.

"He noted the ongoing discussions with the United States on reopening plans, and indicated that we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel."

• Fully vaccinated Americans could be allowed into Canada by mid-August, Trudeau says

• Government working with other countries to recognize Canadians with mixed doses as fully vaccinated

Cabinet ministers are expected to make an announcement at 1:30 p.m. ET. 

Since earlier this month, fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents have been able to skip the 14-day quarantine requirement.

They still must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Air passengers need to take the test within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time of their final direct flight to Canada.