If you've been dreaming of that next vacation, you'll be excited to know that thanks to Canada's rising vaccination rates and declining COVID-19 cases, the government has given exact dates for when U.S. and international travelers will be able to freely cross the border.

As a first step, on August 9 Canada plans to begin allowing entry to fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents who are currently living in the States.

On September 7, the government intends to open Canada's borders to any fully vaccinated travelers.

According to a statement, fully vaccinated, eligible travelers will not have to quarantine upon arrival in Canada.

"Canadians have worked hard and sacrificed for each other, and because of that work, we can take these next steps safely," Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, explained.

From August 9, in addition to landing at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport, international flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at the following five additional Canadian airports:

All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, will still require a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test result.

However from August 9, Canada is adjusting its post-arrival testing strategy for fully vaccinated travellers. The government states that: "Using a new border testing surveillance program at airports and land border crossings, fully vaccinated travellers will not need a post-arrival test unless they have been randomly selected to complete a Day 1 COVID-19 molecular test. There are no changes to the mandatory testing requirements for unvaccinated travellers."

This strategy allows the Government of Canada to continue monitoring variants of concern in Canada and vaccine effectiveness. Using these layers of protection, the Government of Canada can monitor the COVID-19 situation in Canada, respond quickly to threats, and guide decisions on restricting international travel.

Finally, with the advent of increased vaccination rates in Canada, declining COVID-19 cases and reduced pressure on health care capacity, the three-night government authorized hotel stay requirement will be eliminated for all travellers arriving by air as of August 9.

Fully vaccinated travellers who meet the requirements will be exempt from quarantine; however, all travellers must still provide a quarantine plan and be prepared to quarantine, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet the necessary requirements.

"We have been fully engaged with our American counterparts given the deep economic and family ties between our two countries," Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, said. This "announcement is another big step in our approach to easing border measures."

Sounds like it's time to start planning your next vacation.

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