J. Ross Quigley CEO Medipac International Inc. Insurance The Border As of this writing, the Canada/U.S. border is still closed to vehicle traffic, except for “essential travel.” The current expiry date of the ban is December 21, but I do expect it to be extended, again. Just to clarify a few things from your many Bird Talk letters (for which I thank you): a vehicle does include an RV; it includes a truck and it includes your car. Based on our information and feedback from our members, the border agents seem to be making no exceptions. You cannot cross the border to visit the U.S. even if you own property there. We have heard of situations in which the storms have damaged property in the U.S. The Canadian owners were denied entry to go and make repairs, or to further protect their property. To a U.S. border guard, this is not considered “essential travel.” So…attempting to protect your property with a flooded basement, a roof torn off or windows blown out does not count as essential travel. What nonsense! Some snowbirds have also had family medical emergencies in the U.S. They were denied entry. Many have called ahead to the border crossings, but I think that the border agents have figured that one out and are routinely saying “NO” to everyone. Several U.S. citizens and dual citizens were attempting to return to the U.S. with their Canadian partners. The Canadians were denied entry and were forced to go to the airport and catch a plane. Catch a plane??? To the U.S.? Yes, that is allowed. You simply get on a plane anywhere in Canada and you can easily go to the United States. There is no requirement to quarantine, either. This has created some very interesting solutions for many snowbirds. A bunch of golf buddies got together and rented a private jet to get them to their winter homes. It is nice to be rich, but the cost − when split 10 or 12 ways − is not outrageous. Oh, and they could take their dogs and cats, too, but were not allowed a lot of luggage due to weight requirements. My guess is that their golf clubs were already in the U.S. Others rented a professional car transporter to take their cars to the airport closest to the Canadian border. They then flew to that airport, picked up their cars and continued down South as normal. The professional car transports seem to have no trouble entering the U.S., as this is in the normal course of commercial business, which is allowed. There are several very good transport companies and you can find them on the internet very easily. Two of them have advertised with us, but I doubt that you would have problems with any of them. Ask for a quote or two before you decide. 14 | www.snowbirds.org
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