From November, the United States will reopen its land border to people not traveling for urgent reasons. Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, announced that fully vaccinated travellers arriving from Canada and Mexico will be permitted entry from both land and sea ports.

As part of the new international air travel system that takes effect in November, we will begin to allow COVID-19 vaccinated travelers from Mexico and Canada to travel to the United States on non-essential travel, such as visiting friends and family or for tourism, Mayorkas stated in U.S. government media release.

Economic benefits of cross-border travel accrue to our border communities and to our economy as a whole. The safety and sustainability of travel will be restored following steps they have taken.

There will be two phases to the reopening. 

Phase 1: Full Vaccination for Non-Essential Travellers

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will allow non-essential travelers from Mexico or Canada, who are fully vaccinated, to enter the United States starting in November. It will be necessary for travelers to provide proof of vaccination. Travel from Canada and Mexico to the United States via land and ferry POEs will be prohibited for individuals who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Phase 2: Full Vaccination for Essential & Non-Essential Travellers

From early January 2022 onwards, all inbound foreign nationals crossing U.S. land or ferry POEs – regardless of the reason for crossing – will be required to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and provide proof of vaccination. By taking this approach, travelers, such as truckers, students, and healthcare workers, will have ample time to get vaccinated.

No Specific Date Yet

No specific date has been set for when the new rules will take effect.

Source: U.S. Government Media Release