Canada considers phased opening of borders to tourists

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the government is considering the option of phasing out restrictions on entry of foreign tourists.

"We're looking at options to start phasing in tourists as Canada, the U.S. and other countries around the world reduce the incidence of disease," he said.

Since March 2020, the Canadian government has taken tough border measures in the form of a ban on foreigners and a ban on flights from specific countries. Because of this, Trudeau expects high demand for travel to Canada once the restrictions are lifted.

Canada gave hope for change as early as last month, when authorities announced they were discussing opening borders with other countries. A successful vaccination campaign is also helping to make that happen. Canada is now beating many countries in the number of immunized residents.

The prime minister stressed that the country plans to let in only fully vaccinated tourists because the government cannot allow another outbreak of disease to develop into the fourth wave of the pandemic.

Tourism ministers around the world have been discussing for months how to resume travel with the new regulations. The tourism sector is one of the hardest hit during the pandemic, but there is now demand for summer travel as well as autumn and winter travel.

At the same time, Canada still has provincial restrictions that prohibit residents from traveling freely within the country. Provincial and federal authorities have decided to promote domestic travel first and only then to attract foreign tourists. Currently, the closed-borders regime extended until June 21.