Travel Insurance Review

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US Land Borders to Open in November

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US land border with cars rolling through

The US land border crossing ban has had enormous financial, social and cultural impact―on both sides of the border. Starting in November, the US will open its land borders with Canada and Mexico after 18 months of lockdown. The reopening is a big deal for those on both sides of the border. 

Since early August, vaccinated Americans have been able to cross into Canada, but the reverse has not been true. Nonessential travel from Canada to the US has been closed since March 2020.

A specific date has not been set and the rules apply only to those entering the US legally. All travelers must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have the necessary documentation to cross. A negative COVID-19 test will not be required. The new rule applies to those entering the US by vehicle, rail or ferry.

If you’re planning to cross into or back from Canada or Mexico after October, here’s what you need to know.

Essential travelers now need proof of vaccination

Up to now, US citizens and those crossing the border for essential purposes have not had to show proof of vaccination. That means that people who regularly cross the land borders will now need to show proof of vaccination, including:

  • Students and teachers
  • Commercial drivers
  • Healthcare workers

If you, or someone you know, regularly crosses a US land border as an essential worker, they’ll need to get vaccinated quickly if they are to continue crossing after this month.

Bring a book – border wait times will be longer

Wait times at land borders can be long: 2-3 hours is normal but the wait can be as high as 8 hours in some cases. The time it takes to cross either border will likely get even longer as people start crossing the border for work, to see family and friends, and shop again.

Pro tip: Check the US Customs and Border Protection site wait times website to see how long it will take to cross into the US on foot, in a commercial vehicle, or in a passenger vehicle by point of entry.

Vaccination rates could go up

We seem to be moving closer to the point where it will be difficult, and in some places impossible, to travel if you’re unvaccinated. 

Reuters’ COVID-19 tracker reports the vaccination rates in both countries as:

Earlier in the summer, when New York Mayor Bill de Blasio banned unvaccinated people from indoor dining and other activities, the daily rate of vaccinations doubled the next day. It’s clear that travelers are willing to accept rules and regulations if it means they can start traveling again.

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The US Updates Travel Rules to Let Europeans In

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US air travel rules updated to let Europeans in

Back in March 2020, the US closed its borders to most travelers in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In the spring of 2021, many countries loosened their own entry restrictions while the US kept their travel rules in place. 

After Europe opened its borders to Americans in June, some governments complained about the unfairness. That’s all about to change soon, however.

The travel news this week is all about the lifting of US travel bans. Here’s what you need to know about what travel will look like come November.

1 America’s new air travel rules look like most of the world’s

The American international travel rules will look very similar to those other countries have put in place:

  • All adults must be fully vaccinated before boarding a flight to America, and
  • Show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.

Fully vaccinated means the traveler has received one of the vaccines approved in the US, including the AstraZeneca vaccine, and waited at least two weeks before traveling. 

2 With one important difference

Airlines will be required to collect and retain passenger information (phone number and email address) for 30 days. The data may be submitted to the CDC if the health agency needs to conduct contact tracing.

The goal is to enable the CDC and state and local public health officials to follow up with inbound travelers and those around them when someone has potentially been exposed to COVID and other pathogens. This new requirement may be applied broadly going forward to protect the US population from future public health threats, including new COVID variants.

3 Travel rules for the unvaccinated differ by citizenship

Just like other countries, the US is barring unvaccinated visitors from entering its borders unless they are a citizen. US citizens and permanent residents who are not fully vaccinated or unvaccinated are permitted to enter. They will need to test within 24 hours of their flight and be tested upon arrival.

4 Children are exempt

The new travel rules, at least for now, apply only to adult travelers. There are exceptions in place for children who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.

5 Health passes may be required

Depending on where travelers go in the US, they will have to navigate a myriad of rules mandated by the state and local officials. There is no standardized system in the US and the states are passing their own regulations. Here are a few examples:

  • In California, proof of vax is required for many indoor venues like bars and nightclubs. The vax card will also be required to enter theme parks.
  • In New York City, proof of vaccination is required to dine or drink indoors and to visit gyms, fitness classes, and theaters.
  • In New Orleans, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test will be needed to gain entry to restaurants, bars, and music venues.

Other states have lifted the requirement to wear a mask and do not require a vaccination card.

6 America’s land borders remain closed

The restrictions on crossing land borders from Mexico and Canada remain unchanged. This means that fully vaccinated travelers from the two neighboring countries can fly to enter the US, but they cannot drive into the US.

Trip planning appears to be in the works already, as newly released data from travel platform Hopper shows. Search data for US-bound flights rose by 27% after the announcement. Flight searches from Europe to the US spiked by 68%.

Other interesting news

Mistakes in Paris – Common travel mistakes to avoid in Paris according to a local.

New in the world of travel – 7 Exciting new hotels, companies, and tours are coming this fall.

Is the future of air travel windowless? See the new windowless cabin designs. Hint: prepare to be amazed.

Want to travel to Canada? You might need this province-by-province travel guide.