Last Updated on February 23, 2023
Key Points
- North American land borders will remain closed through January 21, 2021
- U.S.-CA and U.S.-MX land borders have been closed since March 21, 2020 due to COVID-19
- Travel is prohibited for tourism and recreation
- Travel is allowed for essential reasons, including cross-border trade, education, and work
- U.S. citizens may travel to Canada by air for essential purposes
- Travelers must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and be free of COVID-19 symptoms
Overview
North American borders will now remain closed until January 21, 2021. The U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders have been closed since March 21, 2020 due to COVID-19.
What are the Changes?
North American land borders will be closed into the new year. Most recently, the border closures were extended from November 21, 2020 through December 21, 2020. The latest border closure extension was enacted due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
Who is Affected?
Travel restrictions apply to nonessential travel, which is travel for tourism or recreational purposes.
Travel across North American land borders is limited to essential purposes at this time. Essential travel includes U.S. citizens and permanent residents returning home, individuals traveling to the U.S. for employment, travel for medical treatment, public health reasons, education, and participation in cross-border trade. Travel may be permitted for additional purposes on a case-by-case basis.
Looking Ahead
Border closures may be extended after January 21, 2021 based on epidemiological conditions.
Air travel is permitted for certain travelers. U.S. citizens may travel to Canada by air if they are traveling for essential reasons. They must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and not have any symptoms of COVID-19 upon entering Canada.
Envoy is pleased to provide you this information, which was prepared in collaboration with Sara Herbek, who is the Managing Partner at Global Immigration Associates, P.C. (www.giafirm.com), Envoy’s affiliated law firm.
Content in this publication is not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an Envoy-affiliated attorney or another qualified professional.
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