U.S. officials will no longer permit non-resident truck drivers who are not fully vaccinated to cross the border, starting this weekend.
Starting on January 22, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Services (DHS) will no longer permit non-U.S. individuals, including truck drivers, to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals unless they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and show proof of vaccination.
Truck drivers who are U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals will not be required by U.S. officials to be vaccinated to return to the U.S. after crossing into Mexico or Canada. However, last weekend, Canadian officials implemented a new policy requiring all U.S. truck drivers entering Canada show proof of full vaccination in order to cross the border.
COVID-19 testing will not be required for truckers crossing the border into the U.S.
The plan to restrict travel for non-U.S. residents was initially announced by the White House in October 2021.
Canadian and Mexican truck drivers who wish to cross into the U.S. will be required to take the following steps under the new rule:
- verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status;
- provide proof of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination, as outlined on the CDC website;
- present a valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document, such as a valid passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, or Enhanced Tribal Card; and,
- be prepared to present any other relevant documents requested by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer during a border inspection.
“Starting on January 22, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security will require that non-U.S. individuals entering the United States via land ports of entry or ferry terminals along our Northern and Southern borders be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and be prepared to show related proof of vaccination,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “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.”
DHS warns that there will be longer wait times to cross the border after the new travel restrictions go into effect. “Travelers should plan for longer than normal wait times and longer lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are reminded to exercise patience,” the agency said.