Air travel between Canada and the United States saw a significant increase in September, according to data released by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
The CBSA reported that over 1.2 million travelers entered Canada from the United States in September, marking a 30% increase from August. This is also a 90% increase from the same time last year, when travel restrictions were first put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The data also showed that the majority of travelers entering Canada from the United States were Canadian citizens, accounting for 80% of the total. Non-citizens, including permanent residents and foreign nationals, made up the remaining 20%.
The increase in air travel between the two countries can be attributed to the easing of travel restrictions. In August, Canada began allowing fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents to enter the country for non-essential purposes, such as tourism and family visits. This was followed by the United States lifting its travel ban on fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents in early November.
Despite the increase in air travel, the CBSA noted that overall travel to Canada is still significantly lower compared to pre-pandemic levels. In September 2019, over 4.5 million travelers entered Canada from the United States, which is almost four times the number recorded in September 2021.
The CBSA also reported that the number of travelers entering Canada by land and sea has also been steadily increasing since the easing of travel restrictions. In September, over 1.5 million travelers entered Canada by land, while over 200,000 entered by sea.
The data released by the CBSA is in line with the gradual reopening of borders and the resumption of international travel. However, with the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and the ongoing pandemic, it is important for travelers to continue following all necessary health and safety protocols to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
As the holiday season approaches, the CBSA reminds all travelers to check the latest travel restrictions and requirements before making any travel plans. This includes being fully vaccinated, providing a negative COVID-19 test result, and completing the ArriveCAN app prior to arrival in Canada.
The CBSA will continue to monitor and report on air travel data between Canada and the United States, providing valuable insights into the state of international travel during the pandemic.
