OTTAWA — More than two years after it was suspended, the federal government is resuming the Remote Area Border Crossing Program that's available in parts of Northern Ontario and southeastern Manitoba.
The program facilitates entry to Canada from the United states without having to report at a Port of Entry such as Pigeon River or Fort Frances.
It was suspended in May 2020 after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To qualify, users must obtain an RABC permit through the Canada Border Services Agency and provide proof of vaccination against COVID or a medical exemption.
In an announcement Wednesday CBSA cautioned applicants that it expects "a lot of interest" in the program, and that it may take longer than usual to process applications.
All successful applicants will still have to complete an ArriveCan submission for each trip.
RABC permit holders are disqualified from using their permit to enter Canada if they have tested positive for the virus in the previous 10 days, or have symptoms of COVID-10.
Any permit issued this year will be valid until the end of 2023, but permits issued in 2023 and onward will only be valid for one year.
The areas where the RABC program is in effect include:
- from Pigeon River through to and including Lake of the Woods
- the Canadian shore of Lake Superior
- Northwest Angle area
- Sault Ste. Marie (upper lock system)
- Cockburn Island near Manitoulin Island
More information about eligibility requirements is available online.
