On October 1st 2022, the Government of Canada removed all COVID-19 border measures such as required proof of vaccination, random testing, and mandatory isolation for high-risk travelers. For the first time since early 2020, the Canadian border is operating under “normal” conditions. For example: Americans interested in visiting Canada no longer need to download the ArriveCAN app to upload proof of vaccination against COVID.
The removal of pandemic-related border restrictions has been celebrated by Canada’s tourism industry, which was devastated by border closures. Border cities such as Windsor and Niagara Falls Ontario were hit particularly hard. Statistics show the number of people visiting Canada increased significantly once vaccination and testing requirements were eliminated. There are still some ongoing issues impacting travel between Canada and the USA, however. One of the most publicized is the processing delays for NEXUS cards.
NEXUS is a Canada-USA program that allows pre-screened trusted travelers to cross the border in an expedited manner. If someone has no criminal record, and wants to be able to clear airport security and cross the US-Canada border is less time, they can apply for a NEXUS card. NEXUS processing centers in Canada closed during the pandemic, and have not yet re-opened due to a disagreement about legal immunity for US employees stationed in NEXUS offices north of the border. The United States wants their employees to be protected from legal prosecution in Canada, as such protections already exist for US border agents working at Canadian airports, while the Government of Canada as not yet offered such a deal. This has resulted in a growing backlog of NEXUS applications that recently ballooned to more than 300,000. Staffing shortages at airports such as Vancouver and Toronto have increased security wait times, leading to frustration for frequent business travelers waiting for a NEXUS card.
