Manitoba duty-free owner, snowbirds 'jumping with joy' as U.S. land border opens to vaccinated travellers

For the first time in nearly 20 months, the U.S. border crossing in Emerson, Man., opened to non-essential travellers on Monday.

People who are crossing at a land border are now required to show proof of vaccination or attest to their vaccination status upon request by a border agent. Younger travellers are exempt from the requirement.

Many travellers are excited to get back to family traditions, like warm holidays.

David Macrae owns a property in Florida that he, his wife and children haven't visited since November of 2019.

"We're very happy to finally have an opportunity to get back across the border," he said.

When returning to Canada, all recreational travellers over four years of age must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their return flight or planned arrival at the land border.

Canada will only accept a molecular test — such as a PCR test — which can cost hundreds of dollars.

Travellers crossing into the U.S. for short trips are allowed to take their molecular test in Canada and then use it upon their return — as long as it's under 72 hours old.

WATCH | Mixed emotions as people cross the Canadian, U.S. land border:

Macrae says he and his family have appointments booked at the Minneapolis airport to get their tests done within 30 minutes.

"We would prefer if we didn't have to ... it certainly could be cost prohibitive for many folks. It's going to cost us a few dollars, for sure, but that's what it's going to cost us to get down there," he said.

Stay-at-home mom Corinne Engel is heading to North Dakota for a week away. She plans to spend some time shopping and antiquing south of the border.

"It's kind of surreal," she said. "It's been so long, actually two years since I've been here ... It's going to be good to get back, to be by myself again." 

Engel has plans to get a free PCR test about two days (about the amount of time the results take) before she crosses the border back in to Canada.