Over a year after the borders closed in March of 2020 the Canadian, U.S. borders are reopening for all essential and non-essential ground travel. This comes at the perfect time for families living on opposite sides looking to get together for the holidays, but reuniting with your friends and family will come with a hefty price. Although Canadian citizens have free reign to cross the border, the COVID-19 tests are deterring people from making the commitment to travel abroad. Additionally, the rising prices of gas, food, and shelter on both sides of the border are playing major factors into the hesitancy travelers are experiencing.

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To travel across into the U.S. Canadian residents are expected to submit a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of travelling confirming the traveler isn’t sick. These tests can cost a single person $150 to $200. On top of these expenses, a tank of gas will run you $80 to $100 one way. The trip back is worse, averaging around $500 per person to get a COVID-19 test to return to the country. If you factor in conversion rate and other expenses, the cheapest trips across the border will cost you upwards of $1,500 per person. Compared to an average trip before the pandemic, the trip is definitely not worth the money and effort. 

The uproar of unhappy Canadians has caught the attention of the chief public health officer of Canada, Theresa Tam. In a statement she made Friday, she brought to light the concerns of the exorbitant prices of a single COVID-19 test, detailing she believes it’s unfair to Canadians to pay such a high price for something that was once very affordable. Tam is in the process of deciding whether or not the COVID-19 test will become redundant, when Christmas time approaches.