The Atlantic travel bubble opens on July 3, permitting free movement between provinces in the region after cross-border travel was previously restricted as a result of the novel coronavirus.
But for those hoping to enter provinces without any kind of check-in system, you’ll be mistaken. Some provinces have already announced a process visitors will need to follow in order to gain entry.
Travel to P.E.I.
For travel to P.E.I., even if you’re a resident in the three other Atlantic provinces, you’ll need to present a completed self-declaration travel form before you’re permitted to enter the island without self-isolating for 14 days.
The form can be found on the provincial government’s website.
Permanent residents of Atlantic Canada are being asked to complete the self-declaration form at least one to two days before arriving at an entry point to P.E.I.
They’ll be required to provide the following:
- A personal government-issued ID for all members of the travelling party
- Printed copies of the online self-declaration
- The submission ID, which confirms that you have completed your self-declaration (only one completed form required per travelling party or vehicle)
Travellers are being asked to complete this form as soon as they have confirmation of their travel dates and all individuals who make the travelling party.
Any changes to your travel plans could result in a delay, the P.E.I. government says.
If visitors to P.E.I. are not permanent residents of Atlantic Canada, they must complete all of the steps listed above while additionally providing documentation to prove that they have physically been in Atlantic Canada for the last 14 days or more.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- Airplane ticket
- Accommodation receipt with your name on it
- A notarized letter
- A combination of receipts for purchases in the Atlantic provinces proving physical presence for at least 14 days
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If visitors are unable to provide that information then the province is asking them to acquire a pre-travel approval letter from the provincial government.
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If travellers don’t have to correct documentation then they may be stopped from reaching their destination or turned back altogether.
Travel to Nova Scotia
Every adult attempting to enter Nova Scotia will need to show proof of residency in another Atlantic Canadian province to officials at airports, ferries or at a land border crossing when they arrive in the province.
That piece of identification can be:
- A driver’s licence
- A government identification card
- A health card
- A utility bill with a valid Atlantic Canadian address
- A bank statement with a valid Atlantic Canadian address
Unlike P.E.I., there will be no requirement for a self-declaration form.
Those who are able to prove they reside in the bubble will not have to self isolate for 14 days.
People from outside of Atlantic Canada are welcome to visit Nova Scotia, but they must self-isolate when they arrive.
As of Tuesday, July 7, travellers coming from outside the Atlantic bubble must also fill out a form, which can be found on the province’s website here, and present it at the border.
It asks travellers to provide the address where they will be self-isolating and a phone number where they can be reached 24-7.
They’ll also receive a followup call every day for 14 days to make sure they are self-isolating.
The fine for violating the Health Protection Order is $1,000 for a first offence.
If visitors have already self-isolated in another province in the bubble then they may enter Nova Scotia without self-isolating.
Travel to Newfoundland and Labrador
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador will require two pieces of identification to verify that a traveller is a resident in the Atlantic bubble.
At least one piece of identification must include an address.
The province said that visitors from other Atlantic Canadian provinces must also complete the contact information section on the province’s self-declaration form, which can be found on their website.
Travel to New Brunswick
New Brunswick said late on Thursday that Atlantic Canadians would be able to travel to and from New Brunswick without the requirement to self-isolate but will be asked to provide proof of their province of residence.
All visitors must answer health screening questions from border officers before being admitted to the province.
The questionnaire can also be printed and completed in advance.
New Brunswick says travellers should expect delays due to the screening measures.
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