Though Americans still will be allowed to travel through Canada to Alaska for non-discretionary purposes during the coronavirus pandemic, the so-called “Alaska loophole” has been tightened and travelers will be on the clock. The news comes as
CTV News reports that six Americans were each fined $1,000 for violating Canada’s Quarantine Act in British Columbia. The British Columbia Royal Canadian Mounted Police did not report where the U.S. citizens were stopped or under what circumstances, CTV reported. The
Canada Border Services Agency announced in a release Thursday, July 30, that beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday it will begin enforcing stricter rules and additional entry conditions for those choosing to drive through Canada to get to Alaska. “These measures are put in place to further reduce the risk of introduction of COVID-19 cases and to minimize the amount of time that in-transit travelers are in Canada,” the release stated.
Among the new transit requirements, the release said foreign nationals:
▪ Must enter Canada through one of five ports of entry: Abbotsford/Huntingdon, B.C. (Sumas crossing in Whatcom County); Coutts, Alberta; Kingsgate, B.C.; North Portal, Saskatchewan; or Osoyoos, B.C.
▪ Will be allowed a “reasonable” period to travel to Alaska.
▪ Will be limited to using the most direct route between their point of entry and their intended point of exit.
▪ Must avoid national parks, leisure sites and tourism activities.
▪ Before entering Alaska, must report at the nearest Canada Border Services Agency point of entry to confirm their exit from Canada.
While in transit through Canada, travelers will be issued a vehicle “hang tag” for their rear-view mirror for the duration of the trip, according to the release. The front of the tag will make it clear that travelers are in transit and the date they must exit Canada, while the back will remind travelers of the conditions of their travel and a list of public health and safety measures to follow. Americans can also return from Alaska through Canada, but the points of entry into Canada are not limited. Travelers still must satisfy a border services officer at their point of entry that they meet the requirements for entry into Canada, and they are encouraged to have documentation to demonstrate the purpose of their travel, the release stated. Any travelers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be denied entry.
Travelers also are asked to:
▪ Avoid contact with others while traveling.
▪ Stay in their vehicle as much as possible.
▪ Avoid unnecessary stops.
▪ Always practice physical distancing.
▪ Pay at the pump for gas.
▪ Use drive-thru food pickup.
▪ Wear a face covering while traveling.
▪ Ensure good hygiene practices at rest stops.
The U.S.-Canada border has been closed to all non-essential traffic in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus during the pandemic since March 21. The closure has been extended three times and is currently set to expire Aug. 21.
More than 100 people a day, mostly Americans, are being turned back by Canadian authorities while the border between the two countries is closed,
according to a Vancouver (B.C) Sun story earlier this month.
Failure to comply with the Quarantine Act could lead to a $750,000 fine and/or imprisonment of up to six months, the release states.