U.S. to Allow Fully Vaccinated Travelers to Enter from Canada and Mexico via Land Border and Ferry Ports of Entry
On October 12, 2021, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security announced that, beginning in November 2021, non-essential travelers (for example, tourists, friends and family visitors) who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, will be permitted to enter the U.S. from Canada and Mexico via land border and ferry crossings by showing appropriate documentation.
No official documentation has yet been issued to clarify the exact effective date of this change, details describing acceptable proof of vaccination, or whether non-Canadian or non-Mexican citizens would be eligible to enter under this new policy. However, this information is expected to be forthcoming in the near future.
The announcement also indicated that beginning in early January 2022 (exact date not yet specified), essential travelers (for example students, truckers, health care workers, and others), who are currently not required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, will also be required to show appropriate documentation of vaccination in order to be admitted to the U.S. across land and ferry crossings from Canada and Mexico.
Essential and non-essential airline passengers are already able to enter the U.S. from Canada and Mexico with appropriate documentation, and need not wait for the November or January change in regulations.
See the full October 12, 2021 announcement by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security here.
When more details are released publicly, they will be posted on the International Scholars Office News web page, International Students Office website, and the MIT Major Immigration Alerts and Updates website.
As always, MIT international students and scholars should discuss travel plans with an advisor in the International Students Office or International Scholars Office well in advance of the intended travel.
