Vaccination Now Required For Non-US Citizens To Enter US by Land or Ferry

As of yesterday, all non-U.S. residents coming into the USA at land or ferry crossings now must be absolutely vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19, even when their journey functions are thought of “important”.

The shift in border coverage was initially introduced again in October, in response to USA At this time. It brings the U.S.’ guidelines for entry by land and water in nearer alignment with the present guidelines for worldwide arrivals by air, which had been additionally introduced in October and took impact on November 8, 2021.

Beforehand, non-U.S. residents may enter the nation at land crossings or ferry ports with out being absolutely vaccinated if touring for “important” causes, together with for work, commerce, academic or medical functions.

“These up to date journey necessities replicate the Biden-Harris Administration’s dedication to defending public well being whereas safely facilitating the cross-border commerce and journey that’s crucial to our economic system,” U.S. Division of Homeland Safety (DH) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas mentioned in a January 20 assertion.

Non-citizens searching for to enter the U.S. by land or ferry have to verbally attest that they’re absolutely vaccinated and be capable to show they’ve acquired a CDC-approved vaccination, as could also be requested by U.S. Customs and Border Safety officers.

They’ll additionally want to offer some other related journey documentation, together with a legitimate Western Hemisphere Journey Initiative (WHTI)-compliant doc, “resembling a legitimate passport, Trusted Traveler Program card or Enhanced Tribal Card,” in response to the DHS announcement.

The DHS web site additionally states that no COVID-19 testing is required for fully-vaccinated international vacationers arriving by way of land port or ferry terminal.

Nevertheless, even U.S. residents and residents coming into the nation by air are required to submit a unfavourable viral check taken not more than in the future previous to boarding their flight. Those that’ve come down with COVID-19 inside the previous 90 days can present documentation of restoration in lieu of check outcomes, together with, “a letter from a licensed healthcare supplier or a public well being official stating that you just had been cleared to journey,” the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention’s (CDC) web site explains.

The brand new entry rules don’t have an effect on U.S. residents, U.S. nationals and lawful everlasting residents, who retain the power to enter the nation at land or ferry crossings whether or not vaccinated or not. Nevertheless, such vacationers are nonetheless required to offer a unfavourable COVID-19 check taken not more than in the future previous to journey with the intention to cross the border.