Canada to bar entry to travelers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents; U.S. citizens currently exempt

Canada is barring entry to all travelers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau announced on March 16.

There will be exceptions for air crew, diplomats, immediate family members of Canadian citizens and, “at this time,” U.S. citizens, Trudeau said, according to a CBC News report.

Furthermore, no one who is displaying symptoms will be allowed to board a flight to Canada, he said. Air operators will be required to complete basic health assessments of all passengers based on guidelines from the Public Health Agency of Canada, and international flights will be redirected to airports in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver to enhance screening.

“I know this news will spark concern among Canadians traveling abroad,” Trudeau said, according to CBC News. “I want to assure you than our government will not leave you unsupported.”

Trudeau added: “To help asymptomatic Canadians to return home, our government will set up a support program for Canadians who need to get on a plane. Canadian travelers will be able to get financial assistance to help them with the costs of returning home or temporarily covering basic needs while they wait to come back to Canada.”

To learn more, read the CBC News article here: cbc.ca/news/politics/cbsa-border-airports-screening-trudeau-covid19-coronavirus-1.5498866.