The anti-vaxx ideology most of the world associates with the U.S. has moved beyond the border. In the first reported case of travelers using fake vaccination documents to enter Canada from the U.S., two airline passengers were caught submitting fake vaccination cards and COVID-19 test results, officials said Friday. In addition to “providing false information related to proof of vaccination credentials and pre-departure tests,” the passengers also failed to stay at government-authorized accommodations, a requirement by Canada’s government for those entering the country.
While they have not been identified, the two passengers traveled to Toronto the week of July 18 and were confirmed Canadian citizens, Health Canada spokeswoman Maryse Durette told NBC News. Each was fined nearly $16,000 U.S. dollars for “non-compliance with entry requirements,” other information about them or how they obtained the fake documents has not been released.
The incident marks the first case of travelers using fake vaccination documents to enter Canada from the U.S., but it is likely not the last. Last month, Canadian officials announced that travelers with an exemption to enter the country can skip quarantine and post-arrival testing—if they upload proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result to the ArriveCan app prior to travel. While the border remains open to others, those who don’t meet vaccination requirements are required to quarantine for 14 days and undergo a COVID-19 test eight days after their arrival. Additionally, those who are traveling by air and are not fully vaccinated are also required to stay at a government-approved hotel for at least three days following their entry into Canada.
