The Department of Homeland Security announced that non-U.S. individuals entering the United States at the Northern and Southern borders, whether for essential or non-essential reasons, must present proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Beginning January 22, officials at ferry terminals and land ports of entry were to begin checking all non-citizens for this proof at both the Canadian and Mexican borders due to the nationwide rise of COVID-19 cases.
According to a news release, White House officials first discussed these guidelines with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and multiple federal agencies in October 2021. The new restrictions do not apply to U.S. Nationals, U.S. citizens, or Lawful Permanent Residents.
As was the case previously, “Non-U.S. individuals attempting to enter the United States irregularly, through any illegal means or without proper documentation, will continue to be expelled pursuant to CDC’s Title 42 public health order.”
The Department of Homeland Security stated that the vaccine policy “will align public health measures that govern land travel with those that govern incoming international air travel.”
The policy requires non-U.S. citizens who arrive at the Northern or Southern borders to verbally announce their COVID-19 vaccine status, show proof of CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination, and provide a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) document such as an Enhanced Tribal Card, Trusted Traveler Program Card, or a valid passport.
They should also be ready to provide any other documents that a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer may request during the inspection.
Testing for COVID-19 or showing proof of a negative result for the virus will not be required at land ports of entry or ferry terminals.
Reuters noted that Canada and the United States have many truck drivers transporting goods across the border. The border has been closed down for over a year and a half, but truck drivers were able to cross due to their status as essential workers for trade. Over two-thirds of $521 billion worth of goods traded between the two countries travels over the roads.
Some U.S. officials oppose the newly implemented vaccine requirement.
According to a January 20 release on his website, U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) wrote a letter to President Biden, urging him “to halt the implementation of the upcoming Department of Homeland Security vaccine mandate for truck drivers entering the U.S. and to coordinate with Canadian officials in loosening vaccine requirements for truck drivers and other essential workers that frequently cross the U.S.-Canadian border.”
“Over the last few weeks, I have heard from Montana farmers and ranchers who are concerned that these new requirements will make it more difficult for them to get fertilizer and other supplies,” Tester wrote. “Montana producers faced extraordinarily difficult drought conditions over the past year and cannot afford further disruptions as they work to plant this year’s crop.”
He continued, “The Administration must work to protect and increase trade and essential travel across the northern border, not put additional road blocks in the way.”
As of January 15, Canada has also begun requiring U.S. truck drivers to show proof of vaccination. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that the United States is Canada’s biggest trade partner, and the restrictions that both countries are applying will align with each other.
Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas stated, “These updated travel requirements reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to protecting public health while safely facilitating the cross-border trade and travel that is critical to our economy.”