Beginning January 22, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires all Canadian and non-US individuals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering the country.
This means anyone wishing to enter the U.S. through land borders or ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico-U.S.-Canada border must present proof of vaccination, whether traveling for essential or non-essential reasons, DHS said in a release.
“These updated travel requirements reflect the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to protecting public health while safely facilitating cross-border trade and travel essential to our economy,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas.
These changes were first announced in October 2021, bringing the rules for essential travelers into line with those that came into effect for vacationers earlier that month when the US reopened its borders to fully vaccinated individuals.
They will also comply with the rules that apply to inbound international air travel.
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US to require COVID-19 vaccines for non-residents crossing land border in January
DHS states that, for essential or non-essential reasons, non-US persons traveling to the United States through land ports or ferry terminals must do the following:
- verbally testify to their COVID-19 vaccination status;
- provide evidence of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination, as described on the CDC website;
- present a valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, such as a valid passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, or Enhanced Tribal Card; and,
- be prepared to provide any other relevant documents requested by a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official during a border inspection.
These requirements do not apply to US citizens, lawful permanent residents, or US citizens.
COVID-19 testing is not required for access through a land port or ferry terminal.
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