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Non-essential travel restrictions at Canada-U.S. border extended to at least Nov. 21

Canadian Press
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Canadian and American flags fly near the Ambassador Bridge at the Canada-USA border crossing in Windsor, Ont. on Saturday, March 21, 2020. The federal government appears to have relaxed restrictions at the Canada-U.S. border that would have made it impossible for first-year university students from the United States to enter the country. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rob Gurdebeke

WASHINGTON — Restrictions on non-essential travel between Canada and the United States are being extended until at least Nov. 21. 

Public Safety Minister Bill Blair confirmed the news today on Twitter. 

Incidental travel—vacations, day trips and cross-border shopping excursions—has been forbidden since March in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. 

The restrictions do not apply to those providing essential services in either country, including trade shipments and cross-border workers. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said the restrictions won't be lifted until there's clear evidence the pandemic is easing in the United States.

President Donald Trump, however, said last month that Canada wants the border to reopen "pretty soon"—a claim that is not supported by public opinion polls. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2020.