Border warning for Canadian sports fans planning to watch games in U.S.
Canadian sports fans hoping to catch a Seattle Seahawks or Seattle Kraken game are being advised to plan their trips across the border carefully, or they could face a nasty surprise on their return to Canada.
The U.S. will reopen its land border crossings to fully vaccinated Canadians on Nov. 8.
American border agents do not require proof of a negative COVID-19 test, but the story is entirely different returning to Canada, where a negative test is required.
That test can’t be a rapid antigen test, and it can’t be more than 72 hours old.
“I’ve been told they literally look down to the minute, and if anyone is more than 72 hours, that’s it,” said U.S. immigration lawyer Len Saunders.
That’s why Seahawks season ticket holder Aneesh Kumar admitted he may not go to any games this season, because it’s too risky and expensive.
For shorter trips, Canadian are allowed to get a test at home before crossing the border, but need to plan carefully. They need to leave themselves enough time to make it to their U.S. destination and back before the 72-hour test limit expires.
Testing for travel in B.C. is expensive, ranging from just under $200 to nearly $400 at some clinics.
“At the end of the day, $200 is not something I’m really interested in spending for testing,” said Kumar, who is fully vaccinated.
In fact, Kumar said he may give his tickets away.
Travellers who don’t make it to the border on time are required to take another test in the United States.
“I’ve heard of clients who are racing up the I-5 to the Canadian border worried about traffic,” said Saunders.
Already, many clinics near the border say they are fully booked some days, and test results are sometimes taking up to 48 hours due to the increased volume.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.