The Biden administration announced plans on Tuesday to reopen its land and ferry ports of entry with Canada and Mexico to fully vaccinated individuals engaging in travel categorized as non-essential. The new policy is set to take effect in early November.
The United States implemented land border crossing closures in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents have been exempted from U.S. border closures as well as those individuals considered essential travelers, including students, commercial truck drivers, and healthcare workers.
The new policy will impact cross-border travel via land and ferry ports of entry for non-essential purposes including tourism, shopping, and family visits. Foreign nationals will have to show proof that they have been fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Starting in early January 2022, the COVID-19 vaccination policy will also impact essential travelers who had previously been exempt from the land border crossing closures.
Similar vaccine requirements were also announced early this month for air travel. For a detailed summary of air travel restrictions, please consult our blog U.S. To Rescind COVID-19 Travel Bans, Require Vaccinations for International Travelers. Unlike, air travelers, individuals entering the U.S. at land border crossings will not be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
More details are expected to be announced, such as acceptable types of vaccines and documentation, exceptions, and the exact policy effective date, in the coming weeks. If you have questions regarding the recent announcements involving the planned rescission of travel restrictions, contact a Barst attorney. For general inquiries or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://barstmukamal.wpengine.com/contact-us/.