| Starting on Jan. 22 at 12:01 a.m. (local time), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will require non-U.S. individuals seeking entry into the U.S. through land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination. The requirement will be enforced by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as COVID-19 cases continue to rise nationwide, DHS said. These new restrictions will apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for both essential and non-essential reasons. They will not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents or U.S. nationals, DHS said. DHS said these changes, which were first announced in October 2021 and made in consultation with the White House and several federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bring land-border travel in line with public health measures already in place for incoming international air travel. Non-U.S. individuals traveling to the U.S. via land ports of entry or ferry terminals, whether for essential or non-essential reasons, must: Verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. Provide proof of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination, as outlined 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.Be prepared to present any other relevant documents requested by a CBP officer during a border inspection. COVID-19 testing, however, is not required for entry via a land port of entry or ferry terminal. More details about the COVID vaccine requirement for non-U.S. citizens entering the U.S. at land border ports of entry and ferry terminals, see this DHS fact sheet. |
