BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - O Canada! Americans are finally permitted to enter the home and native land of our neighbors to the north.
The first couple of hours brought about delays when the bridges opened at midnight. The backups eased by morning. But if you think that is the worst of it, think again, says Immigration attorney Jamie Fiegel of Fiegel, Carr & Joyce.
"I do expect a heavy, heavy amount of traffic toward the end of this week. If you think that today's (Monday's) traffic is going to be indicative of this weekend, you're going to be sorely mistaken. I know there's going to be a huge uptick in travel, especially Thursday through Sunday," said Fiegel.
Travelers need a number of documents to cross. First, a Covid test within 72 hours of their arrival. "If it's over 72 hours, there is no grace period," added Fiegel. In addition, they need to register with ArriveCAN, either the app or the website, for each passenger over the age of 5. Plus, proof of vaccination (hard copy) and normal travel documents such as a passport.
Western New Yorkers can cross into Canada via the Peace Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, Lewiston Queenston Bridge or Whirlpool Nexus-only Bridge.
If you haven't used the Whirlpool Nexus-only bridge in a long time, keep in mind that it requires Easy-Pass, or a Nexus card to have money pre-loaded. There was a backup Monday morning on the span because people did not have electronic toll clearance.
Many would-be travelers are wondering if they can use Nexus lanes with these new restrictions. "If you are approved for Nexus, you can use the Nexus lanes with your testing requirement and the ArriveCAN app," added Fiegel.
There are a lot of hoops to go through to get access to Canada. Fiegel says it might dissuade some Americans from making a day trip. but not all. "You would be surprised at how motivated people are to go over. You have no idea how many people want to get over there for Swiss Chalet!," she added.
Update for private boaters hoping to enter Canada
U.S. boaters eager to navigate Canadian waters again and dock at Canadian ports are permitted to do so.
Boaters must provide a negative Covid test within 72 hours of their arrival, be fully vaccinated and register with ArriveCAN. In addition, boaters must report immediately when they dock in Canadian ports to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The toll-free number for boaters to check-in from a marine telephone reporting site is 1-888-226-7277.
Only the owner/operator may leave the boat to place the call. Everyone else must remain onboard until the CBSA authorizes entry.
No reciprocity
While Canada is opening its borders for U.S. travelers, the Biden administration has yet to reciprocate and open the land border for Canadian travellers.
The land border closure remains in effect until at least Aug. 21.
However, Canadians have never been restricted from flying into the U.S. during the pandemic.
