The United States will ask for proof and ‘attest’ of vaccination status when passing through the border

As of November 8, those who wish cross to the United States by car, bus, on foot or by ferry, they must show proof of vaccination against covid-19 and, in addition, they must verbally declare their vaccination status.

This Friday, the Secretary of National Security (DHS) revealed the rules to be followed by travelers entering by land from November 8, the day the United States border with Mexico and Canada and restrictions on non-essential travelers will be lifted.

“From November 8th, when arriving at a United States land point of entry or a ferry terminal, non-citizen travelers should be prepared to (1) present proof of vaccination against covid-19, as indicated on the site website of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); and (2) verbally attest to the reason for their trip and their covid-19 vaccination status during a border inspection, ”said DHS in a release.

The agency indicated that people who try to enter the United States by illegal means or without proper documentation, may be subject to expulsion or removal.

“Travelers arriving at a US land point of entry or a ferry terminal should be prepared to present any other pertinent documents requested by a CBP agent,” said DHS.

On November 8, 2021, the US government will lift restrictions on its land borders with Mexico and Canada, after more than 21 months of only allowing essential traffic, that is, US citizens and residents, as well as some visas. and special permits.

The DHS statement confirms November 8 as the border reopening date.

On October 21, DHS published an internal rule in the Federal Register for the performance of its officials, in which it says that the restrictive actions will continue to apply until January 21, 2022; However, the text provides the guidelines for the Secretary of National Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, to change these guidelines at any time, which happened this Friday officially.

Until now, only non-essential travelers will need to show proof of vaccination against covid-19.

“However, as of January 2022, all foreign travelers who wish to enter the United States through land points of entry or ferry terminals – whether for essential or nonessential reasons – must be fully vaccinated against covid- 19 and present the corresponding proof of vaccination ”, indicated DHS.

That is, as of January, permanent residents, business travelers, binational workers, students, and any foreigner who wishes to enter the United States, must present proof of vaccination.

The american government accept vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) at its border crossings. These are the vaccines Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, CoronaVac, Sinopharm.

CanSino vaccines, from China; Sputnik V, from Russia; o Abdalá, from Cuba, are not yet approved by the WHO, so those who have received them will not be able to enter the United States by showing proof of vaccination.

Read more here: Mexicans vaccinated with CanSino and Sputnik V could have problems entering the United States

The agency warned that long lines are expected at border crossings and longer waiting times, so it called to plan the trip, be patient and prepare if you want to cross into the United States.

As of this October 25, CBP allows travelers to apply for I-94 permits to enter the United States if traveling by car or bus and planning to travel 25 miles beyond the border. You can do this on the CBP page dedicated to permits.

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