US: Authorities extend land border closures with Canada and Mexico until June 21 due to COVID-19 /update 25

Event

US officials have extended the closure of the nation's land borders with Canada and Mexico to all nonessential travel through at least June 21 to curb the spread of COVID-19. The closures, which began March 21, 2020, do not affect trade, movement of essential goods and workers, transport of food or medicine, or transit by cargo trucks. US citizens and legal residents returning to the country, as well as individuals traveling to attend educational institutions, are also exempt. Other previously imposed travel restrictions remain in place.

US authorities are also keeping in place a ban on entry for most nonresident foreign nationals who have been in India, South Africa, Brazil, the UK, Ireland, Iran, China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau), or any of the 26 European Schengen Area countries in the 14 days prior to their planned arrival in the US. US citizens, permanent residents, spouses of US citizens or permanent residents, parents, legal guardians or siblings of US citizens or permanent residents who are under 21 years old, as well as diplomats and airline employees, are exempt from the ban. Students, academics, journalists, and others traveling for essential purposes from the Schengen Area, the UK, or Ireland may qualify for national interest exceptions but must contact US diplomatic offices to apply.

All persons aged two years or older traveling by air to the US - including US citizens and permanent residents - must present negative results from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before departure for the country; alternatively, they can present proof of having recovered from COVID-19 within the previous 90 days. Airlines must deny travel to those who do not present either of these documentations.

Authorities have also mandated the use of facemasks in airports, commercial aircraft, trains, public maritime vessels, and intercity buses.

Pre- and Post-Travel Guidelines
Additionally, US authorities are maintaining risk assessment levels for travelers entering the country from international destinations. Under the current guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) use a four-level system to categorize the risk of COVID-19 in countries and territories worldwide based on the number of cases in the past 28 days.

Regardless of the level of the destination, authorities recommend that individuals get a COVID-19 test between 1-3 days before traveling abroad and postpone travel if they are still waiting for the test result, tested positive, or are sick.

Additionally, officials advise individuals in the US to follow the recommendations associated with the designated risk level for their intended destination, as follows:

Level 4 - Very High: Avoid all travel
Level 3 - High: Avoid nonessential travel
Level 2 - Moderate: Those at higher risk of severe illness should avoid nonessential travel
Level 1 - Low: No limitations to travel

Recommendations for travelers entering the US also change depending on the risk level of the country they departed. Authorities advise those traveling from destinations categorized at risk levels 4, 3, or 2 to get tested within three to five days upon arrival in the US and stay at home for seven days or to stay at home for 10 days upon arrival if they do not get tested.

As of May 20, most countries and territories around the world remain at Level 4, including most of Europe, most of Latin America, and Canada, as well as the US territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Twenty-five countries and territories are at Level 3, including El Salvador, Ghana, Haiti, Japan, Morocco, Thailand, and the UK, while 19 countries and territories are at Level 2, including Anguilla, Belize, Dominica, Israel, Singapore, and South Korea.

For travelers entering from countries and territories categorized as risk Level 1 (low), officials recommend wearing protective facemasks and maintaining social distancing upon arrival in the US. Authorities urge travelers who have recently participated in high-risk activities such as attending a mass gathering, being in a large crowd at a restaurant or bar, or traveling on a cruise in a country at Level 1, to get tested within three to five days upon return and remain at home for seven days, or self-quarantine for 10 days if they do not get tested. As of May 20, there are 29 countries and territories at Level 1, including Australia, Cayman Islands, China, New Zealand, Nigeria, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

The CDC does not urge fully vaccinated individuals to get tested prior to travel or to self-quarantine upon arrival.

Authorities at the federal or local levels could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national and domestic health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and appointments in advance.