Effective January 22, 2022 Canadians crossing into the U.S. at land borders and ferry terminals will need to show proof of full vaccination for COVID-19.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security posted the update on its site yesterday.

“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, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise nationwide,” says the DHS.

The DHS adds that the new restrictions will apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for both essential and non-essential reasons.

“These updated travel requirements reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to protecting public health while safely facilitating the cross-border trade and travel that is critical to our economy,” says DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas.

According to the DHS site, non-U.S. individuals traveling to the United States via land ports of entry or ferry terminals, whether 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;

• Present a valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document, such as a valid passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, or Enhanced Tribal Card; and,
• Be prepared to present any other relevant documents requested by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer during a border inspection.

The DHS site notes that COVID-19 testing is not required for entry via a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

More details about the updated requirements for travellers are included in a DHS fact sheet.