May 12, 2020
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the temporary suspension of service at certain small vessel reporting sites, small airports of entry, ferry terminals and to the Remote Area Border Crossing program as of May 12, 2020.
The suspension of service affects a total of 342 small vessel reporting sites and 126 small airports. Air and marine traffic will be redirected as appropriate.
The small vessel reporting locations are primarily marinas and telephone reporting sites that support recreational boating. With the high-traffic boating season fast approaching, the CBSA typically observes an increase in the volume of travellers coming to Canada at these sites for recreational purposes, which are currently prohibited.
In support of the Government of Canada's objective to have all inbound travellers assessed for symptoms of COVID-19, the Agency is redirecting air and marine traffic to ports of entry where the CBSA maintains or can deploy officer presence.
The Remote Area Border Crossing Program, which is only available in parts of northwestern Ontario and southeastern Manitoba, has also been temporarily suspended.
A number of ferry operators have decided to suspend services between Canada and the United States, so customs services at their locations have also been suspended.
This temporary suspension of service will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as the public health situation evolves.