Biden to Ease COVID-19 Travel Restrictions at Canada, Mexico Border Crossings

The Biden administration will ease COVID-19 travel restrictions on land-border crossings from Canada and Mexico, and will require foreign nationals traveling into the U.S. for non-essential reasons to show proof of vaccination starting in November.

The new rules from the Department of Homeland Security will update restrictions first imposed under Trump, which have been a source of frustration for the Canadian and Mexican governments, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Indeed, for the first time in almost two years, travelers from Canada and Mexico will be able to travel into the U.S. at its border crossings for non-essential reasons like shopping or visiting family and friends, so long as they are vaccinated. Mexican and Canadian citizens were always allowed to enter for essential reasons, such as attending school.

In January, the U.S. will ease restrictions further, allowing foreign nationals into the country for essential travel. The additional time, according to administration officials, will allow for a smooth transition to the new system for truck drivers and others.