The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published on its website that full COVID-19 vaccination will become much more central to U.S. land border travel "in January." The announcement is supported by Federal Register notices published on December 23, 2021, concerning entry from Canada or from Mexico.
Since November 8, the U.S. has allowed otherwise eligible people to enter the U.S. by land or ferry if the traveler is either:
- Under age 18 (thus too young to be required to be vaccinated yet);
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
- Fully COVID-19 vaccinated, according to standards described in our alert on air travel restrictions; or
- An "essential" traveler, including lawful trade, emergency response and public health purposes.
Starting "in January" (without clarification of a specific date), the DHS has announced that the requirements will change to:
- Under age 18 (thus too young to be required to be vaccinated yet);
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident; or
- Fully COVID-19 vaccinated, according to standards described in our alert on air travel restrictions.
Thus, unvaccinated travelers who are 18 or older and not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will not be allowed to cross the border even for "essential" purposes. If you have any questions about these changes, please contact the author or any member of Baker Donelson's Immigration Team.