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Canada plans to reopen to American tourists by mid-August, other countries by September

July 16, 2021
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3 min read
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Holds Press Conference To Address Corruption Scandal
Canada plans to reopen to American tourists by mid-August, other countries by September
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Canada is looking to reopen its borders to Americans by next month. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday that Canada could begin allowing American tourists starting in mid-August.

The move to reopen Canada to Americans for leisure reasons would mark a major step in the reopening of the border between the two nations, which has largely remained shut since March 2020.

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However, in order for Canada to reopen its borders to Americans, it's reliant upon the continuation of its successful vaccination rollout program. Additionally, confirmed COVID-19 cases within the country remaining should remain at already-low levels in order for Trudeau to considering reopening borders with America.

Related: Canada has loosened restrictions for some individuals, but tourism is still on hold

According to the Wall Street Journal, Trudeau told premiers on Thursday that government officials from both countries were in talks to open the land border to tourists. When the border does reopen, Canada will first welcome U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are fully vaccinated before reopening to vaccinated travelers from other countries in September.

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"Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September," a statement from a teleconference between Trudeau and leaders within the country detailed.

Last month, the U.S. and Canada agreed to extend a ban on non-essential crossings between the two countries for another 30-day period — until 21 July. There's a chance that date could be delayed once again.

Earlier this month, Canada made the first move in easing restrictions — but only for Canadians. As of July 5, Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have been fully vaccinated can skip mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival into Canada. Additionally, those entering by air no longer need to spend their first three days in the country at a government-approved hotel.

"We all love to accelerate the processes, but we are going to be grounded in what is safe, grounded in science, because it would be catastrophic and heartbreaking to go back into lockdown as some countries are now looking at given surges in the Delta variant," Trudeau said earlier this week.

First Ministers in Canada supported Trudeau's planning to reopen to fully vaccinated American tourists by mid-August.

Canada has maintained that it would ease border restrictions after 75% of its residents have been fully vaccinated. To date, about 70% of Canadians have received one dose of a vaccine. About 46% of the population is fully vaccinated.

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.