Vaccination documents required when border reopens to recreational travel

Non- citizen travelers must be ready to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and verbally attest to their reason for travel and COVID-19 vaccination status during a border inspection when land ports of entry and ferry terminals reopen to non- essential travel on Nov. 8, the Department of Homeland Security said Friday in a release.

Any non- citizen attempting to enter the United States through illegal means or without appropriate documentation may be subject to expulsion or removal, the release said. Travelers arriving at a U. S. land port of entry or ferry terminal should be prepared to present any other relevant documents as requested by a Custom and Border Protection officer officer. Requirements for proof of COVID-19 vaccination are outlined on US. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

U. S. citizens are reminded to bring a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) document, such as a valid U. S. passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, Enhanced Driver’s License, or Enhanced Tribal Card, when re-entering the country and be prepared to present a WHTI-compliant document if requested by a CBP Officer during a border inspection.

Individuals engaged in essential travel will not be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 at this time, DHS said. Starting in January 2022, however, all inbound foreign national travelers seeking to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals — whether for essential or non-essential reasons — must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination.

As travel resumes, travel volumes and wait times are expected to increase, the release said. Travelers should plan for longer- than- normal wait times and long lines at U. S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are reminded to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, DHS said travelers can take advantage of innovative technology, such as facial biometrics and the

CBP One mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

“We are pleased to take another step toward easing travel restrictions at our borders in a manner that strengthens our economy and protects the health and safety of the American public,” DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in the release. “We continue working closely with our international partners to sustainably implement new rules for resuming travel.”