As of November 8th, we will be able to cross over the U.S. land border. This is fantastic news for the club since we have planned three bus trips to U.S. resorts.
What we know at this point is that crossing into the U.S. will require both your passport and your proof of full vaccination. On October 15th the U.S. also announced that they will accept mixed vaccination of WHO approved vaccines.
When flying (including domestically) you will require your QR code vaccination document (and a photo ID/Passport).
However, currently, when returning to Canada, all travellers need to provide the results from an accepted COVID Test result taken within 72 hours of arrival at the Canadian border. (Rapid tests are not accepted.) If your trip is less than 72 hours (i.e. our Holiday Valley weekend trip) you can get a test done at home prior to leaving and use it on your way back home.
For longer trips, if the same rules still apply, you will need to have a test done while out of the country. Please remember that most of our international trips are not running for another 4 to 5 months, in late February or March 2022, so the requirements when returning to Canada may have changed by that point. Just think back to the quarantine requirements that were in place five months ago last May.
Club Med has indicated to us that they will be able to arrange these tests for our members (at a separate cost to members.) For our U.S. trips we have not been able to confirm exactly how the process will work. With the border closed last season, the resorts did not have to deal with this issue, so this is something new for them, and therefore still in flux.
The Long Trips Committee and those who have stepped up to be Trip Leaders already have a lot of responsibilities and things to keep track of even in a normal year for trips. While the club tries to provide as much information as possible, ultimately, it is up to the individual to understand what the travel rules and requirements are for their personal situation.
If there is anyone who would like to volunteer to help out the club by researching and tracking this topic it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact longtrips@hpsc.ca.