USA Blocks Travel from Canada and Mexico

The United States government extended the closure of land borders with Canada and Mexico to non-essential travel until 21 August.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the latest 30-day extension just days after Canada revealed it would welcome fully vaccinated US visitors on 9 August for non-essential travel.

DHS said the agency is “in constant contact with Canadian and Mexican counterparts to identify the conditions under which restrictions may be eased safely and sustainably.” The US has continued to extend the restrictions on Canada and Mexico on a monthly basis since March 2020.

The announcement came after Canada has stated that they will open for vaccinated Americans from 9 August. It’s unclear how, or if, the US decision will affect the Canadian decision.

Entry to the US Border from Canada and Mexico

The US continues to allow Canadians and Mexicans to arrive via plane, but they are required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before entry.

Travellers crossing US land borders on essential business do not need negative COVID-19 tests.

The US land border restrictions do not bar US citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the United States. As in prior extensions, DHS said it could still seek to amend or rescind the restrictions before Aug. 21.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, a business group, criticised the latest US extension. The chamber's chief executive, Perrin Beatty, said the US move “flies in the face of both science and the most recent public health data.”

It's hard to see how allowing fully vaccinated Canadians to enter the US poses a public health threat when travel within the US is unrestricted.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Xhief Executive Perrin Beatty

What are your thoughts on this issue? Is the US the only country in the west still with closed borders? Talk to us in the comment section below.

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