US extends restrictions on travel with Canada and Mexico

• Travel restrictions with Canada and Mexico have been extended by the US Department of Homeland Security until July 21.
• Border restrictions have been put in place since last year to curb the spread of COVID-19.
• Canada also extended its restrictions on travel to the US, while Mexico allows US travelers by air.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel with Canada and Mexico until July 21.

DHS tweeted, “To reduce the spread of #COVID19, the United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel at our land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico through July 21, while ensuring access for essential trade & travel.”

Acknowledging “positive developments in recent weeks,” the department added that it has been discussing with other agencies to help “identify the conditions under which restrictions may be eased safely and sustainably.”

Canada also extends travel restrictions

The US-Canada border shutdown was mutually agreed upon back in March 2020 to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

Canada also extended its restrictions on non-essential international and US travel until July 21. Canadian Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair made the announcement on Friday.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the frustration of many travelers but reminded everyone that it’s for their safety.

“We’re not out of this pandemic yet,” Trudeau stated. “We have to hit our targets of 75% vaccinated with the first dose, at least 20% vaccinated with the second dose before we can start loosening things up because even a fully vaccinated individual can pass on Covid-19 to someone who is not vaccinated.”

Canada is still largely off-limits to US travelers. Casual visits, leisure activities, and tourism are all forbidden with only a few exceptions for family members, foreign workers, and international students.

Aside from required testing, airline and land travelers may also be required to quarantine for three nights in a government-authorized hotel.

Travel plans for fully vaccinated citizens are to be discussed by the government, said Blair.

Mexico is more lenient to travelers

Mexico is a lot more lenient when it comes to US travelers by air. There are no requirements for a negative Covid-19 PCR test or a quarantine period. Most resorts only ask guests to fill out health questionnaires.

Mexico’s travel advisory rating has been lowered by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on June 7 from “very high” risk level 4 to “high” risk level 3. Still, the CDC advises full vaccination before traveling to Mexico.

Source: CNN