U.S. EXTENDS VACCINE REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-CITIZENS

The Biden administration on Thursday said it was extending a requirement that non-u.s. citizens crossing land or ferry terminals at the U.s.-mexico and U.s.-canada borders must be vaccinated against COVID-19. The requirements were first adopted in November as part of reopening the United States to land crossings by foreign tourists after the borders had been closed to most visitors since March 2020. Unlike international air travellers headed to the United States, people travelling at land or ferry crossings do not need to provide a negative COVID-19 test. Foreign air travellers must present proof of vaccination to airlines before travelling to the United States as well as a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day. Foreign nationals crossing U.S. land border crossings must be prepared to provide proof of vaccination. DHS said the decision came after consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which says vaccines remain the most effective public health measure to protect people from severe illness or death from COVID-19.