When the United States shut the land borders to Mexico and Canada, did you ever, in your wildest dreams, think it would last 19 months? Never. Well, I have one word about this breaking news: FINALLY!
According to the Associated Press, “The United States will lift restrictions at its land borders with Canada and Mexico for fully vaccinated foreign nationals in early November (Updated: The date is November 8), ending historic curbs on non-essential travelers in place since March 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic, two U.S. officials said on Tuesday.”
The New York Times reports, “Those who provide proof of vaccination and are looking to visit families or friends or shop in the United States will be allowed to enter next month, senior administration officials said, just weeks after President Biden lifted a similar sweeping ban on foreigners looking to travel to the country from overseas.”
According to Daily Security Reports, “Travelers will not be expected to show proof of vaccination unless it is requested by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents. The ban on non-essential ground travel has been in place since March 2020. Travelers arriving to the U.S. by air will still be required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test. Additionally, essential workers, such as truck drivers, seeking to cross land borders into the U.S. in early January 2022 will be required to be fully vaccinated.”
One thing is for sure: the US is making it clear that unvaccinated travelers are not welcome. I have Canadian family (my wife is from Toronto) and the USA announced yesterday that those with the Astrazeneca vaccine will be accepted but there’s no word yet if they will accept mixed doses since I know plenty of Canucks who first received Astrazeneca and either Pfizer or Moderna for their second shot. Let’s hope they allow it.
Wondering if on Nov 1 US will still require the negative antigen test 3 days prior to entry for US citizens? Canadians?
They don’t now for the land border into the USA
Thanks for the advice.
Vaccine only has a 6 month immunity so Nobody is Fully vaccinated for very long.
The only way to tell if you are safe from getting COVID is Antibody testing; or get a Negative antigen test -you are safe from spreading. What is the purpose of the restriction? Once the government decides then maybe they can set appropriate rules. Test or Card and a vaccine from last year = unvaccinated
I look forward to and read your newsletter regularly and enjoy it. I understand that you are a travel reporter and you are reporting the news without editorial comment. However, I can make a comment about this story. This post make me feel that I am in Wonderland along with Alice.
I, too, have had a scheduled trip to Canada cancelled more than once due to Covid travel restrictions while at the same time seeing news footage from the southern border showing the masses that have gathered and flagrantly crossed the border from Mexico in just the last several months. According to what has come from President Biden’s press secretary Jen Psaki, there are no mandates for those entering to be vaccinated. “It is their option.”
It is becoming increasingly obvious that the news has to be taken at more than face value. Hope this wasn’t too long!
Johnny, not sure how long you are staying in North County San Diego. The San Diego Botanical Garden has a marvelous interactive Childrens garden, in Encinitas. WELL worth taking your family. When my 4 yo great niece visited, we went x3 in one week, because SHE wanted to go.
Thanks for the tip! We’re back home but I just sent this to my wife and set a reminder.
Any idea when vaccinated Americans can visit Canada without a test? Love your newsletter…always interesting information!