The United States announced that the U.S. will extend the Mexico and Canada border closure and restrict the entry of non-essential workers from Mexico and Canada by land and ferry at least through August 21 to decrease the spread of COVID, said the U.S. Homeland Security Department. The restrictions include individuals traveling on tourist visas. The previous border restrictions were set to end on July 22. Travelers from Mexico and Canada can continue to come into the U.S. by air with proof of a negative COVID test or recovery from COVID. The borders were first closed to non-essential workers in March 2020 due to the pandemic. Cross-border restrictions have been extended on a monthly basis ever since.
“To decrease the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant, the United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel at our land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico through August 21, while ensuring the continued flow of essential trade and travel. DHS is in constant contact with Canadian and Mexican counterparts to identify the conditions under which restrictions may be eased safely and sustainably.”
The United States has not decided what the requirements for travel into the U.S. from Mexico and Canada will be when the border reopens, and if they will only allow individuals who have been fully vaccinated to enter.
The border closures do not apply to U.S. citizens coming back into the country after traveling abroad to Mexico or Canada. The borders are also open for lawful permanent residents, people with work visas and individuals traveling for educational or medical purposes among other reasons deemed essential.
On July 26, the U.S. extended travel restrictions that deny entry to people entering the country from the European Schengen area, the United Kingdom and other countries due to the increase in the Covid delta variant.
Americans are allowed to fly to Mexico for vacations.
Canada plans to reopen its border to fully vaccinated Americans on August 9. Fully vaccinated American travelers must:
• have been vaccinated at least two weeks before their trip
• be vaccinated with either the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson vaccinations
• will have to get tested before departure
• carry paper copies of their vaccination records
• upload their documents to the ArriveCAN app or website
Immigration law can be confusing, and it changes frequently. It is important to have legal guidance from a knowledgeable attorney. The immigration attorneys at Godoy Law Office in Chicago and Lombard can help you with your immigration case. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office or call us at 630-912-0322.
