New travel rules allow non-essential visitors back into B.C.
B.C. is welcoming international travellers back into the province for non-essential travel, such as tourism.
New federal rules came into effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, meaning foreign nationals who meet entry conditions will not have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
The team at Vancouver International Airport said they’ve been planning for the move for months, making sure all systems were in place to welcome passengers back.
“We’re ready for you, we’ve planned this out, we’ve looked at it, we’ve made it as efficient as possible,” said Robyn McVicker, vice-president of passenger care.
Fully vaccinated passengers are required to enter their vaccine and testing information into the ArriveCan app, which is then checked by a border agent upon arrival. McVicker said passengers could still be subject to random COVID-19 testing.
There are a number of departure and arrival testing options available on Sea Island.
The reopening of the border to foreign nationals is a welcome boost for the tourism industry, but could come too late for many summer operators, according to Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association Of B.C.
“For those seasonal businesses the window has pretty much closed and they won’t see any business until next year from the international market,” said Judas. “Most people have already spent their summer holidays elsewhere or closer to home.”
But Judas said there is now certainty for the industry moving forward, particularly for winter operators, major events and conferences.
“Now that the borders are reopen they have some certainty to be able book that business and be confident that it is going to take place,” Judas said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
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.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.