US Land Borders With Canada, Mexico Extended Again

The U.S. government has announced that the country's land borders with North American neighbors Canada and Mexico will remain closed to non-essential travel for at least another month, through April 21 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Homeland Security reiterated that the goal of the extended border closures is to limit the spread of coronavirus, determining that non-essential travel still poses too great of a risk.

“To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, and in coordination with our partners in Canada and Mexico, the United States is extending the restrictions on nonessential travel at our land borders through April 21, while ensuring continued flows of essential trade and travel,” the department said in a tweet published Thursday.

Canada Confirmed Extension

Canadian Public Safety Minister Bill Blair confirmed the extension, stating that the country will continue to base its decisions on the best public health information available.

The 30-day extension is the second announced under President Joe Biden since he took office in January and this weekend will mark the one-year anniversary of the initial border closures in response to the COVID-19 crisis last spring.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also shown little interest in loosening the restrictions.

“I think we’re all going to wait patiently until such time as the health situation allows us to loosen border restrictions internationally. That’ll be eventually, but not for today.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated.

Travel to Canada and Mexico

While Canada continues to be closed to American tourists, U.S. travellers can still fly to Mexico without a need for a COVID-19 test prior to arrival.

Travellers will need to fill out a health declaration form, scan the QR code that is generated upon arrival and should expect temperature screenings. All travellers are expected to follow the measures in place in Mexico to curb the spread of the virus.

US travellers cannot visit Canada for a holiday however travel by land is still permitted for a series of reasons, such as for essential travel or to visit immediate family members. Travellers must ensure they have a quarantine plan that shows how they will quarantine for 14 days.

Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.

What are your thoughts on the extended land border restriction? Talk to us in the comment section below.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.