Article from a couple of days ago, stuff went down a week ago. $6,250 fine for trying to cross land border with a negative test from Mexico. Almost hard to believe there isn't more to the story.

https://www.blogto.com/travel/2021/0...niagara-falls/

There is. She was offered the choice to go back to the US and get a test there and declined. She essentially volunteered for the fine.

That is how I read it as well.

Of course she plans on taking the ticket to court. Given today's court ruling ......

Friend advised me that his free Walgreen's test was ready within one hour of taking it via online application/email following arrival at Seatac from international destination. He took an Uber to Walgreen's and then was driven to Peace Arch. No issues at either border. He is a Canadian citizen of course.

SEA is an Int'l arrival, and perhaps your friend was not able to tack on flight to BLI, or maybe there is no quick turnaround testing in Bellingham, which of course is much closer to 49th.

Let's see what the announcement will be on Monday, as that will hopefully make the walk across the border unnecessary (though I am not counting on it, in fact expect to have to walk).

It's in one of the arriving in Canada threads from a couple of days ago.

was thinking about the actual rule

may be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 per day or face criminal prosecution

May = discretionary at law. Unless the public is advised of the basis on which the discretion is exercised, that in my opinion may be sufficient to have these tossed out of court. Unless the word discretion refers to all the exemptions but that is unclear as I would have said that "may" only relates to a fine or charges...so on what basis might a border guard exercise discretion to not fine? Where a discretion is given as I understand there has to be at least a consderation of not fining in order to satisfy the law. If fines are given without reason ??wonder what a border guard would answer if asked the direct question...you have discretion not to fine me..why are you fining me? That would take balls and likely the fastest ticket ever written plus a penatly for good measure.

COVID-19 Travel exemptions from testing and quarantine

thanks for that...what are you meaning in regards to the walk across the border? I am currently weighing option A flying into Seatac and making my way to border after Walgreen's test arriving internationally as well...flight to BLI makes no sense with waiting time and cost...I can confirm there is a Walgreen's in Bellingham on Coast Meridian that offers the fast test (reference online reservation system) versus removal of hotel jail and flying into YVR. As I understand if hotel is lifted (announcement soon?) as a Canadian having been tested 72 hours pre flight arriving in transit from a "safe country" and having been vaccinated (2 doses) I will be tested on arrival and allowed to go home and re test possibly at day 8? or do another 14 day quarantine..which is fine. Never been one to skirt the rules but had no interest being incarcerated with others of dubious health priorities given that I am quite strict re compliance..except the hotel jail part of course.

Just that, take Uber / taxi to border, walk across, take Uber / taxi north of 49th to continue to destination to quarantine if that is not changed - let's see what the promised Monday announcement will bring. Hoping .....
......
That is what the US land border agent threw at me

I did not say anything, and he let it go. But I did not *skirt* any rule, I chose to follow one of two rules in effect

Sorry if this wasn't clear, I was headed south. I flew north in February and arrived the day before hotel policy went into effect. Yes, I did a test for that (as required), but on arrival and day 10 test only started to be required the day after I arrived (knowing what I do about IRROPS sometimes happening, I played it a little close but it turned out OK).

In the first quote I was talking in general about possibilities of crossing going north and musing about what I may need to do if I travel north to finish unfinished business.

Sorry, but can Canadians actually get a free Rapid Diagnostic Test (ID NOW) in Seattle for example, which is acceptable as the Canadian Border pre departure test?
If this isn't covered by your Canadian health insurance..... what is the cost?

Thanks

Yes; $0. Uncle Sam (US govt) pays.

And its just Walgreens that offers this?

Thanks

I think people have also mentioned CVS but I don't believe they have any branches doing this in Washington state? If you look/ask in the testing thread, Canada Will Require Negative COVID-19 Test 72 Hours Before Arrival or in the driving thread https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cana...periences.html you will find more infos.