U.S. Extends North American Land Border Closures Through October 21, 2021

Last Updated on February 23, 2023

Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the U.S. government will extend existing U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada land border closures through Oct. 21, 2021.     

Overview     

Although Canada eased some restrictions for vaccinated U.S. travelers in August and September, North American land borders will remain closed for another month. Aside from the extended closure, all other provisions of the existing border closure will stay the same. The border closures apply to vehicle, train, boat and passenger ferry travel only. Air travel is not affected.     

Travel is restricted to essential purposes only at this time, which includes:    

  • U.S. citizens and permanent residents traveling home    

  • People traveling across borders for healthcare, employment or education    

  • Individuals involved in cross-border trade     

Limited additional exceptions may be permitted in certain circumstances. Travel for tourism and recreational reasons is prohibited.     

Looking Ahead     

U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada land borders have been closed since March 2020. Border closures have been extended on a monthly basis since the COVID-19 pandemic began. They may be continued as needed based on epidemiological conditions.    

On Aug. 9, 2021, the Canadian government eased some travel restrictions to allow vaccinated travelers from the U.S. into Canada for select non-essential travel reasons. The Canadian government further relaxed travel restrictions on Sept. 7, 2021. Please see our related story for additional details.    

Envoy Global and Global Immigration Associates (GIA) will continue to provide updates on future border closures.   

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Envoy is pleased to provide you this information, which was prepared in collaboration with Ian Love, who is a Partner at Global Immigration Associates (GIA), one of the two independent U.S. law firms Envoy exclusively works with on the Envoy Platform (the "U.S. Law Firms").         

Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.