Trudeau government extends foreign travel ban to July 31

The current travel ban on most foreign travellers has been extended by the Trudeau government until July 31, reports CTV News.

The border was first shut down by the federal government in mid-March to non-Canadian citizens—with some exceptions for essential workers. The federal order recommending the ban was made by Health Minister Patty Hajdu on June 29.

“The introduction or spread of the disease would pose an imminent and severe risk to public health in Canada, the entry of persons into Canada who have recently been in a foreign country may introduce or contribute to the spread of the disease in Canada, and no reasonable alternatives to prevent the introduction or spread of the disease are available,” noted the government when speaking of the ongoing ban.

Canadian residents, and Canadian citizen's immediate family members are still allowed to enter the country, along with air crews and diplomats. Anyone with coronavirus symptoms will be unable to enter the country.

“To protect Canadians and to ease the potential burden non-essential travellers could place on our health care system and its frontline workers, the CBSA has implemented travel restrictions across all ports of entry in all modes of transportation… All travel of an optional or discretionary nature, including tourism and recreation, is covered by these measures,” said Rebecca Purdy, a Canada Border Services Agency spokesperson.

The United States is exempt from the extended ban as that country's visitors are governed under prior agreement between the two nations. Travel restrictions for the US are set to expire on July 21.

The extension follows a move by the European Union allowing travellers from certain countries—including Canada—to visit. US residents are still unable to travel to Europe visit as that nation is not on the EU’s safe list.

Global Affairs Canada is still advising Canadians to avoid unnecessary travel to other nations. Non-essential workers coming into Canada are still required to self-isolate for 14 days.

An emergency loan has been offered to Canadian’s who are stuck abroad. The loan—to help Canadians return home—is up to $5,000.