The US has announced that it will reopen its land borders with Mexico and Canada to fully vaccinated travellers next month.
This will put an end to restrictions that have been in place since March 2020 which prevented non-essential travel by vehicle, rail and ferry.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the changes will take place in two phases over the next few months.
From November, those travelling for non-essential reasons will need to present proof of vaccination at the border. Those who have not been fully vaccinated will not be allowed to travel for non-essential purposes.
In early January 2022, this will apply to all inbound foreign travellers (including truck drivers, students and healthcare workers) whether the travel is “essential” or not.
This comes after the announcement that the US will ease restrictions on fully vaccinated air travellers from 33 countries including the UK next month.
The exact date of both these measures has yet to be disclosed.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas commented:
“In alignment with the new international air travel system that will be implemented in November, we will begin allowing travelers from Mexico and Canada who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to enter the United States for non-essential purposes, including to visit friends and family or for tourism, via land and ferry border crossings.
“Cross-border travel creates significant economic activity in our border communities and benefits our broader economy. We are pleased to be taking steps to resume regular travel in a safe and sustainable manner.”
