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By Amandalina Letterio

STRANDED BRITISH COLUMBIANS

Canadian land border waiving proof of COVID-19 testing for stranded British Columbians

Nov 18, 2021 | 5:41 PM

KAMLOOPS — If you’re stranded in Vancouver because of the Coldwater Flood damage to BC highways and trying to return home to the Interior, you can pass through the United States even if you only have your license on you — no COVID-19 test required.

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is easing up on its COVID-19 restrictions for British Columbians stranded because of the Coldwater Flood.

“Given the current situation in BC, travellers who must transit through the United States to get to their residence in Canada are exempt from the COVID-19 pre-arrival test, the test in Canada, and quarantine requirements,” said the Canadian Border Services Agency in an email to CFJC News.

Pre-existing exemptions within the Orders in Council (OIC) can be applied to travellers in this situation:

Exemption – Pre-Arrival Test – By Land

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S1.T2.I20: A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out everyday functions that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States

Exemption – Quarantine

S2.T1.I14: A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out everyday functions that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States

Exemption – Test in Canada

S2.T2.I14: A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out everyday functions that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States

If you do not have a passport on you, you can re-enter Canada by simply displaying your government issued license. Learn more here.

To get into the States, the rules are the same.

The U.S. reopened its land border on Nov. 8 to non-essential travel, with no COVID-19 test requirement. This is not an exemption, however, but an on-going decision by the American government.

Canadians can cross as long as you display your proof of vaccination and government issued I.D. and proof of your double vaccination to cross into the States.

Now that all major highways are shut down because of mudslides and flood damage, driving routes to get back home will require you to go through the states.

Normally, Canadians would have to undergo COVID-19 testing to get back into Canada, but British Columbians are being allowed to simply display proof of double vaccination and a government issued I.D.