The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that starting in November it will allow non-essential travelers who have been fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and have appropriate documentation to enter the United States at land and ferry ports of entry. The lifting of restrictions is based on guidance received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health experts. Individuals who have not been fully vaccinated for Covid-19 will continue to be prohibited from travel via a land border port of entry to the U.S. for non-essential purposes from Canada or Mexico. U.S. citizens, green card holders and those traveling for medical care have been exempted from the non-essential restrictions since the pandemic-era travel bans were instituted and will continue to be permitted to travel.

In addition, beginning in early January 2022, the Department of Homeland Security will require all inbound foreign national travelers crossing U.S. land or ferry borders for essential or non-essential purposes to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and to provide related proof of vaccination. The phased approach is aimed to provide ample time for essential travelers, such as truck drivers, students and healthcare workers, to get vaccinated.