Home  >  Uncategorized  >  DHS to Require Non-U.S. Individual Travelers Entering the United States at Land Ports of Entry and Ferry Terminals to be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

DHS to Require Non-U.S. Individual Travelers Entering the United States at Land Ports of Entry and Ferry Terminals to be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

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Shama Merchant Poonja Headshot

CEO & Managing Attorney

Shama Merchant Poonja

As a first generation American, Ms. Poonja is committed to the field of immigration law. Since 2013, Ms. Poonja has been representing corporate and individual clients on a wide variety of business and family immigration law matters.

Reviewed by:

Sejal Parikh Headshot

Senior Attorney

Sejal Parikh

Ms. Parikh’s experience in business immigration includes representing employers of all sizes in various industry verticals, from Fortune 500 multinational corporations to emerging growth companies, startups, and large consulting companies. She provides expertise across a wide range of employment-based cases, focusing on both nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions.

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Beginning on January 22, 2022, DHS will require non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and
U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination, see other requirements regarding testing and masking.

These new restrictions will apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for both essential and non-essential reasons. They will not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

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

  • verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status;
  • provide proof of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination, as outlined on the CDC website
    (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html) ;
  • present a valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, such as a valid passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, or Enhanced Tribal Card; and,
  • any other relevant documents requested by a CBP officer during border inspection.

COVID-19 testing is not required for entry via land port of entries or entry through ferry terminals.

The new vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

Review the DHS Fact sheet here to learn more about the requirements. 

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