USCBP Lifts U.S.-Canada-Mexico “Non-Essential” Travel Restrictions at Land/Ferry Border Crossings, Requires Proof of Full COVID-19 Vaccination

USCBP Lifts U.S.-Canada-Mexico “Non-Essential” Travel Restrictions at Land/Ferry Border Crossings, Requires Proof of Full COVID-19 Vaccination

On December 23, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) announced that it has lifted the restrictions on “Non-Essential Travel” (e.g., for tourism purposes) for fully vaccinated individuals traveling through land and ferry ports-of-entry between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Individuals must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and present proof of COVID-19 vaccination status. 

A copy of the Federal Register notice on the U.S.-Canada travel update can be found here.

A copy of the Federal Register notice on the U.S.-Mexico travel update can be found here

These announcements regarding land/ferry ports-of-entry make the rules for land/ferry entry identical to the the requirements for air travel to the U.S. from Canada and Mexico for Non-Essential travel.

Per early guidance from USCBP, those entering the U.S. for “essential” travel (including study or employment) will be required in “early January” to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.  

To view the history of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico “Non-Essential Travel” restrictions, click here

We will continue to update the MIT “Major Immigration Alerts and Updates” webpage with any new policies or guidance provided by U.S. federal government agencies. 

If any questions arise, please contact your Advisor in the MIT International Students Office or MIT International Scholars Office