Beginning Saturday, January 22, individuals traveling into the United States by land or ferries are required to show proof they are fully vaccinated for COVID unless they are U.S. citizens.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is requiring travelers entering the USA from Canada/Mexico to be fully vaccinated in an effort to protect public health. US citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents are not required to show proof of vaccination to enter the USA by land/ferry.
According to DHS officials, the new restrictions apply to both essential/nonessential travel. Land & ferry travelers are not required to test for COVID in order to enter the USA.
When entering the country at the Mexican/Canadian borders, non-American travelers are now required to do the following (listed by the DHS):
- verbally attest to their COVID vaccination status
- provide proof of a CDC-approved COVID vaccination, as outlined on the CDC website
- present a valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document (a valid passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, Enhanced Tribal Card)
- be prepared to present any other relevant documents requested by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection during a border inspection.
Although the new vaccination requirements don't apply to US citizens, nationals or lawful permanent residents, all travelers have to bring a WHTI-compliant document when re-entering the country.
U.S. individuals have to show a negative COVID test result before entering by plane. Non-US citizens have to be fully vaccinated for the Coronavirus to enter the country by air.