It just got a lot tougher for American motorists to cross into Canada by claiming they are heading for Alaska.
As of Midnight tonight (Friday, July 31) strict new rules are going into place at all border entries.
First, Americans are restricted to just FIVE crossing points where they can enter Canada to drive to Alaska, and none of them are east of Saskatchewan.
The five crossings are at Abbotsford-Huntingdon (British Columbia), Kingsgate (British Columbia), Osoyoos (British Columbia), Coutts (Alberta) and North Portal (Saskatchewan).
In addition, American travellers will be given information on the most direct route to the Alaskan border, rules that including not deviating from that route and a strict timeline.
Vehicles will be given an official tag to affix to a mirror that clearly says when they entered Canada and a deadline for crossing into Alaska.
They are also being given strict guidelines for ‘social distancing,’ wearing masks, fueling without contact and more.
American motorists coming into Canada from Alaska will face the same rules as they make their way home via the nearest border crossing.
The new rules are in response to numerous reported cases of American tourists gaining entry by saying they are heading for Alaska, then spending days and weeks visiting Canadian locations.
More information can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2020/07/covid-19-stricter-rules-for-foreign-nationals-transiting-through-canada-to-alaska.html
