Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced
that fully vaccinated travellers from Canada and Mexico will be able to enter
the country from land and sea ports of entry.
“In alignment with the new international air travel system
that will be implemented in November, we will begin allowing travelers from
Mexico and Canada who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to enter the United
States for non-essential purposes, including to visit friends and family or for
tourism, via land and ferry border crossings,” Mayorkas said in a government
media release.
“Cross-border travel creates significant economic activity
in our border communities and benefits our broader economy. We are pleased to
be taking steps to resume regular travel in a safe and sustainable manner.”
The reopening will happen in two phases. In November, fully
vaccinated travellers will be able to enter the U.S. by land or ferry if they
have proof of vaccination. Tourists who have not been fully vaccinated for
COVID-19 will not be able to cross the border.
The second phase will begin in early January 2022. The U.S.
will require all essential and non-essential travellers to be fully vaccinated
in order to cross the land or sea border. This includes essential travellers
like truckers, students, and healthcare workers.
There are currently no exact dates as to when the new travel
rules will go into effect.
Congressman Brian Higgins, who has long been advocating for
the border to reopen, applauded the move. He tweeted that it will be good for
businesses and families who have been affected by the closure, especially those
in border towns.