COVID Vaccination Requirement for Land Border Travel Ends May 11

After May 11, 2023, nonimmigrants crossing land borders from Mexico and Canada will no longer be required to show proof of COVID vaccination, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The issue

Nonimmigrants traveling by land ports of entry and ferry terminals will no longer be required to show proof of COVID vaccination after May 11, 2023, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The vaccination requirement had been in place in response to the COVID public health emergency. DHS is terminating the requirement simultaneously with the official end of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the termination of COVID vaccination requirements for international air travel.

What it means

After May 11, nonimmigrants who have not been fully vaccinated for COVID according to CDC guidelines will be permitted to travel by land border and ferry to the United States. Through May 11, the vaccination rules remain in place.

This policy change does not affect the COVID vaccination requirement for foreign nationals seeking U.S. permanent residence (green card). Until further notice, adjustment of status and immigrant visa applicants must continue to show proof of vaccination, or eligibility for an exception, in order to pass their green card medical exams. It should be noted that, in general, green card medical exams require several vaccinations that are not required for international travel. Termination of any vaccination requirement for green card medical exams would require a separate announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).