Not unlike the rest of the economy, the manufacturing sector has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the manufacturing sector has been deemed an essential workplace since the outbreak, the sector continues to face a number of challenges with the economy opening up. A key area concern is crossing the border. On March 21, 2020, the Governments of Canada and the United States instituted a temporary 30-day restriction on all non-essential travel at the Canada-U.S. border. The ban on non-essential travel has been extended regularly since then and continues to be extended beyond the date of this writing. Thus, it is important that border authorities and industrial organizations within Canada and the U.S. work together to continue to facilitate bi-national trade, including the movement of business travellers that help support our integrated supply chain.
Many manufacturing companies in Canada are closely integrated into a supply chain that spans both sides of the Canadian-U.S. border. All business travellers want their border crossings to go smoothly and with fewer delays. The best way to ensure this happens is to know what to expect and be prepared. Whether you are returning home to Canada or entering the U.S., or a U.S. citizen seeking entry to Canada, this document will provide helpful tips and tools to navigate your trip across the border. This document is intended to serve as an evergreen document to inform the customs security process during COVID-19 and will be updated according to new rules and government guidelines.