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Citing the Delta variant of COVID, the Department of Homeland Security announced earlier today that they extended land border restrictions for Canada and Mexico through September 21. But do these restrictions affect Americans? And what about air travel? To remove any confusion, here is a complete rundown of Mexico and Canada border policies for Americans.
Entering Mexico as a US citizen
By air or sea, Mexico is open to travelers whether they are vaccinated or not, although they are in certain regions or resorts (companies in Mazatlán do require Proof of vaccination or a new negative test). Since Mexico is a high risk country for COVID – and to avoid unexpected problems – travelers should definitely get vaccinated before their trip.
Travel by land is limited to only necessary trips (for emergencies, work, medical reasons), although no vaccination certificate or negative COVID test is required. However, travelers entering Mexico overland may undergo health screening, including temperature checks.
Leaving Mexico as a US citizen
By air, Americans are required to provide evidence for over 2 years a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours or less prior to returning to the US The US Embassy says Results for COVID tests are reliably available in Mexico. You should also find out about additional testing and quarantine requirements in your state. here.
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Individuals who tested positive in the past three months can use a letter from a licensed health care provider or health officer confirming that the passenger has been cleared for travel. Make these rules not true to US border crossings by land or sea.
Note that there is a risk of COVID infection currently high in Mexico. For more detailed information on Mexico’s border guidelines and local restrictions, please visit the Mexican Embassy website, as well as CDC guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated trips.
Entering Canada as a US citizen
By air and land, Americans (excluding children under the age of 12) can travel to Canada for non-essential travel provided they have at least 14 days of proof of vaccination and a negative test for COVID (including Children from 5 years). You may also be randomly selected for a COVID test after you arrive. At that time there are cruise ships not allowed entering Canadian waters.
It is important that Americans check their vaccination status prior to arriving at the border using a verification portal called. have to prove Arrive CAN. Once you have entered your details, you will receive a receipt that must be presented to Canadian border officials upon arrival. You may also be asked if you have a quarantine plan in case you test positive for COVID and need to stay an additional two weeks.
Leaving Canada as a US citizen
All American passengers entering the United States, including those fully vaccinated, must present a COVID-19 negative test result or proof of recovery no later than three days prior to travel before boarding a return flight to the United States.
Overland, Americans can travel unhindered across the border as returning home is considered “essential travel” (under today’s extended border restrictions, Canadians still cannot cross the land border for non-essential travel). Trains to Canada are available currently not running, but there are plans to make it accessible to vaccinated travelers. Visit the US Embassy site More information about traveling in Canada.
