UNITED STATES EXTENDS VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS INDEFINITELY FOR LAND AND FERRY TRAVELERS FROM CANADA AND MEXICO

By: Gladys Gervacio and Zoe Mirza

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has indefinitely extended its COVID-19 vaccination requirement for non-US travelers entering the country from Canadian and Mexican land and ferry borders. The restriction will remain in effect until DHS announces that it has ended.

BORDER VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS 
All non-US travelers entering the United States by land or ferry from Mexico or Canada must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination to enter the United States. This includes essential and non-essential travel.

The US has implemented border restrictions in different forms since March 2020, with the vaccine requirement for non-essential travel beginning on November 8, 2021. The vaccine requirement does not apply to United States citizens, lawful permanent residents, or nationals.

EXEMPTIONS TO THE REQUIREMENT 
Much like previous extensions, the exemptions to the requirement have been extended as well. The exceptions to the rule include:

• Minors under the age of 18.
• Medical exemptions to the vaccine.
• Citizens of countries with limited vaccine availability (excluding B-1 and B-2 visa holders).
• Certain diplomatic or official government travel.
• Certain vaccine trial participants.
• Humanitarian or emergency exceptions as issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
• Certain members of US armed forces, their spouses, and their children.
• US national interest exemptions as issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

CONCLUSION 
All nonimmigrant travelers to the United States from Canada or Mexico must provide proof of vaccination. The policy will apply to all land and ferry travel, including essential and non-essential travel. It also includes individuals traveling with H, L, O, E, and B visas, unless an individual meets one of the above criteria for exemption.