Vaccinations for COVID-19 required at land, ferry ports of entry into U.S. starting January 22, 2022

Beginning January 22, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will require non-U.S. individuals entering the U.S. via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and to present proof of vaccination. These new requirements will apply to non-U.S. individuals traveling both for essential and non-essential reasons. A “U.S. individual” is a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national. This restriction will remain in place until April 21, 2022, unless extended.

This new change will align U.S. public health measures with those that already apply to incoming international airline passengers and crew. Limited exceptions are available to certain individuals for very specific reasons.  More information is available on the DHS coronavirus website.

Non-U.S. individuals traveling to the United States via land ports of entry or ferry terminals, must:

  • 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.

COVID-19 testing is not required for entry via a land port of entry or ferry terminal.