Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Extends Northern, Southern Border Closures

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This July, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the existing restrictions for certain foreign nationals entering the U.S. via land border crossings with Canada and Mexico will be extended until August 20, 2020. The restrictions apply to “non-essential” travel to the U.S. from these countries. 

 

“Essential travel” includes, but is not limited to—

  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the United States;

  • Individuals traveling for medical purposes (e.g., to receive medical treatment in the United States);

  • Individuals traveling to attend educational institutions;

  • Individuals traveling to work in the United States (e.g., individuals working in the farming or agriculture industry who must travel between the United States and Canada in furtherance of such work);

  • Individuals traveling for emergency response and public health purposes (e.g., government officials or emergency responders entering the United States to support federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government efforts to respond to COVID-19 or other emergencies);

  • Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade (e.g., truck drivers supporting the movement of cargo between the United States and Canada);

  • Individuals engaged in official government travel or diplomatic travel;

  • Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the spouses and children of members of the U.S. Armed Forces, returning to the United States; and

  • Individuals engaged in military-related travel or operations.

The following travel does not fall within the definition of “essential travel” for purposes of this Notification—

  • Individuals traveling for tourism purposes (e.g., sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events)