U.S. extends vaccination requirements for non-U.S. travelers

WASHINGTON, D.C. | The Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will extend temporary Title 19 requirements and continue to require non-U.S. travelers entering the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request. These requirements will continue to apply to non-U.S. travelers who are traveling both for essential and non-essential reasons, and do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals. The requirements were extended April 21 in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and several other federal agencies. According to CDC, vaccines remain the most effective public health measure to protect people from severe illness or death from COVID-19, slow the transmission of COVID-19, and reduce the likelihood of new COVID-19 variants emerging, Homeland Security said in the announcement. "The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to protecting public health while facilitating lawful trade and travel, which is essential to our economic security," Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said. "That is why, after consulting with CDC and other federal agencies, DHS will continue to require non-U.S. individuals entering the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request." Non-U.S. travelers entering the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or non-essential reasons, must continue to: -verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status; -provide, upon request, proof of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination, as outlined on the CDC website; -present a valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document, such as a valid passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, or Enhanced Tribal Card; and, -be prepared to present any other relevant documents requested by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer during a border inspection. COVID-19 testing is not required to enter the United States via a land port of entry or ferry terminal. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik quickly condemned the extension, saying the continued restrictions hurt tourism, supply chains and personal cross-border relationships. "For over two years, communities in Upstate New York and the North Country have been devastated by Northern Border travel restrictions, which hurt tourism, harm supply chain, and keep families apart. Instead of leading the way for our Canadian partners by dropping all restrictions on Northern Border travel, the Biden Administration is doubling down on harmful restrictions on Northern Border travel, while proposing an end to Title 42, which will fuel illegal immigration across the Southern Border," Stefanik said. "I will continue to stand up for families in Upstate New York and the North Country who deserve an end to restrictions on Northern Border travel, so families can be reunited, small businesses can thrive, and our supply chain can be restored."

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U.S. extends vaccination requirements for non-U.S. travelers

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