On September 20, the Biden Administration announced that the current restrictions on travel to the United States from certain designated regions will be eased for fully vaccinated travelers in November. Since this initial announcement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently released additional details on the easing of restrictions for travelers entering the U.S. by land borders and ferry crossings. 

The first stage of modifications for travel along the borders will begin in November, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will allow fully vaccinated travelers from Mexico or Canada to enter the U.S. by land or ferry ports of entry for non-essential purposes. Travelers must present proof of vaccination. If an individual is not fully vaccinated, they will not be permitted to enter the U.S. through a land or ferry crossing for non-essential reasons. 

After this first stage is implemented, DHS will then require all foreign national travelers crossing a U.S. land or ferry port of entry to be fully vaccinated. This second stage is set to begin in early January 2022 and will apply to all travelers regardless of whether they are entering the U.S. for essential or non-essential reasons. The rational for the two-stage approach is to “provide ample time for essential travelers such as truckers, students, and healthcare workers to get vaccinated.” 

The formal rule changes to travel restrictions for vaccinated travelers from the Schengen area, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, Iran, India, or South Africa have not yet been issued. However, Foster will continue to monitor developments in connection with all new and continuing COVID-19 related travel restrictions and policies under the new administration and will make future updates available on our firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.