US extends Canada, Mexico border closures

Travelers looking to make a trip to Canada or Mexico will have to wait at least another month after the Department of Homeland Security extended border closures with both countries.

The borders will remain closed to nonessential travel until July 21. The restrictions were announced in mid-March and were extended in April and May.

“Based on the success of the existing restrictions and the emergence of additional global COVID-19 hotspots, the Department will continue to limit nonessential travel at our land ports of entry with Canada and Mexico,” Chad Wolf, acting secretary of Homeland Security, said in a statement. “This extension protects Americans while keeping essential trade and travel flowing as we reopen the American economy.”

“This is a decision that will protect people on both sides of the border as we continue to fight COVID-19,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

Mexico’s foreign ministry tweeted Tuesday that the terms of the closure will remain the same since their implementation on March 21.

Nonessential travel will be curtailed at land ports of entry, but travel deemed “essential” will still be permitted and includes work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care, and safety and security. Trade will also continue.

Americans who are returning to the U.S. are exempted from the border closures.

Canada sends 75% of its exports to the U.S. and about 18% of American exports go to Canada.