DHS Lifts Restrictions on Land, Ferry Entry into US

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced it is lifting restrictions on fully vaccinated non-citizen visitors to the United States who enter the country via land ports or by ferry terminals.

The restrictions were imposed in March of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began.

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The restrictions on non-essential travel will be removed starting Monday, November 8, the same day that international travelers can visit the U.S. via plane or cruise.

The DHS said this shift eases long-standing restrictions on non-essential travel, consistent with public health guidance.

“We are pleased to take another step toward easing travel restrictions at our borders in a manner that strengthens our economy and protects the health and safety of the American public,” DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a statement. “We continue working closely with our international partners to sustainably implement new rules for resuming travel.”

Starting next Monday, when arriving at a U.S. land point of entry or ferry terminal, non-citizen travelers must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, and verbally attest to their reason for travel and COVID-19 vaccination status during a border inspection.

U.S. citizens returning to the country must bring a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) document – a valid U.S. passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, Enhanced Driver’s License, or Enhanced Tribal Card.

Any non-citizen attempting to enter the United States through illegal means or without appropriate documentation may be subject to expulsion or removal.