Long wait at border as restrictions ease for fully-vaccinnated travelers
Friday was a challenging day if you were trying to cross the border.
On the first day since the federal government lifted some restrictions on travelers entering Canada, the wait to cross into Canada from Montana exceeded five hours earlier Friday.
Normally a busy time of year when snowbirds are returning home to Canada, the new travel rules just made things that much busier.
"We ask travelers to be patient, said Lisa Laurencelle-Pearce, Executive Director of the prairie region of the Canada Border Services Agency.
"And," she added, "to be ready with their information."
The federal government lifted pre-entry testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers Friday.
"They do need to take a COVID-19 test on arrival unless randomly selected," Laurencelle-Pearce said.
But some travel requirements remain in place, she added.
"Travelers are to submit their mandatory proof of vaccination using the free Arrive Can app or through the website within 72 hours before arriving in Canada."
Restrictions are only being eased for fully-vaccinated travelers
And with longer processing times at the border, the CBSA is urging travelers to help speed things along.
"Having their passport (and) Arrive Can receipt and proof of vaccination ready," Laurencelle-Pearce said.
Despite the epic wait times at the border, Canadians are itching to get out and travel.
"I travel a lot, so it makes travel easier," said one woman. "Which is what really excites me about it."
Another traveler at Calgary Airport added, "It makes it (travel) a lot less complicated."
And the tourism industry is anxious to welcome back our southern neighbours.
"We really do need an international guest to return if we want to actually see a recovery in the industry," said Tourism Calgary CEO Cindy Ady, adding that it continues to be important to be mindful of safety.
"I know that my hospitality partners are working really hard at keeping their customers safe and comfortable," Ady said.
Travelers are advised to take delays into consideration when crossing the border, whether by land or through the airport.
And the easing of restrictions only applies to those who are fully vaccinated.
Rules for partially or unvaccinated travelers remain unchanged.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
'More aggressive': Tocchet shifts lineups as Canucks get ready to take on Oilers in Vancouver
As the Canucks prepare to take on the Oilers for Game 5, Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet is making changes to the team's lineup.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.