U.S.-Canada-Mexico “Non-Essential” Travel Restrictions Extended to 12/21/2020

U.S.-Canada-Mexico “Non-Essential” Travel Restrictions Extended to 12/21/2020

UPDATED 11/20/2020: USCBP announces via Twitter that Non-Essential travel restriction between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico has been extended. The posting is not as definitive as past notices, referring to “land border ports of entry”, but it indicates the restriction “remains in effect”. While expiration date is indicated, we assume that the restriction is extended for an additional 30-day period consistent with previous extensions (to December 21, 2020). We will be sure to post additional updates once available.
This travel restriction has been in place since March 20, 2020.

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On November 20, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection posted a statement and infographic on Twitter that the restrictions on “Non-Essential” travel between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico (land borders) has been extended. While we await additional documentation from USDHS and USCBP, we are assuming that the extension of this travel restriction is for an additional 30 days (to December 21, 2020). 

On the Twitter posting is a new infographic listing what is eligible “Essential Travel”.

In the original announcement released by USDHS on March 20, 2020, “Non-Essential” is defined in the notice as including “travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature”.  While this does not reference entering the U.S. as a student, scholar, or worker, it will be important to evaluate travel plans if there is an urgency to return to the U.S. in the event the restrictions are enhanced and include students/scholars.

USDHS, as well as Canadian and Mexican authorities, have reviewed and extended multiple times the travel restrictions in 30-day increments since March 20, 2020.

Please see the USDHS Fact Sheet on the U.S.-Canada-Mexico travel restrictions issued here.