Canada paves way for US tourism by rolling back travel advisory in place since March 2020
The Canadian government on Thursday quietly rolled back its guidance against all nonessential travel, replacing it with a new advisory saying travelers should be fully vaccinated before leaving the country.
The adjustment comes just weeks ahead of the United States' land borders reopening to vaccinated Canadian tourists and the busy holiday travel season. Starting Nov. 8, Canadians can cross into America by land or ferry for tourism purposes or to visit friends and family.
The updated guidance says all travelers should take protective measures like mask wearing and continue to avoid cruise ship travel outside of Canada. Travelers to the U.S. should "exercise normal security precautions," according to the government website.
► From vaccines to testing: What travelers need to know before the new US travel system on Nov. 8
The previous travel advisory was initially posted in March 2020 and told all Canadians to avoid cruise ships and non-essential travel outside of the country “until further notice.”
It did not prohibit international travel, and many Canadians were already making plans to visit the U.S. before the guidance was updated online.
Also Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a standardized COVID-19 proof of vaccination for Canadian travelers. The system supports Canada's new travel vaccine mandate that requires travelers departing from Canadian airports or trains to be fully vaccinated starting Oct. 30.
► US land borders reopening: Travelers in Mexico and Canada plan their next US visit after new land border policy announced
Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Canada travel advisory: Vaccinated travelers OK for nonessential trips
