DHS releases new details about US-Mexico border opening Nov. 8
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The Department of Homeland Security on Friday issued new details and rules for reopening the United States' land and ferry borders on Nov. 8.
RELATED: US to open borders to vaccinated foreign travelers November 8
The regulations apply to foreign travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and can show proof of their vaccination status.
"Non-citizen travelers should be prepared to (1) provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, as outlined on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website; and (2) verbally attest to their reason for travel and COVID-19 vaccination status during a border inspection. "
CDC considers the following as fully vaccinated:
- 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
- 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series COVID-19 vaccine; or
- 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an “active” (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.-based AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials
- 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart*
- If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT considered fully vaccinated.
Vaccines accepted by the CDC include the Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, as well as vaccines listed for Emergency Use (EUL) by the World Health Organization, such as AstraZeneca.
Travelers arriving at a U.S. land POE or ferry terminal should be prepared to present any other relevant documents as requested by a CBP officer.
Individuals engaged in essential travel will not be required to be vaccinated at this time. Starting in January 2022, however, all inbound foreign national travelers crossing U.S. 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.
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," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated in the release from DHS. "We continue working closely with our international partners to sustainably implement new rules for resuming travel.
As travel begins to resume, travel volumes and wait times are expected to increase. 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.
DHS stated that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will soon share additional information about the steps eligible travelers will need to take to enter the United States under the new rules.
To see the DHS' frequently asked questions related to travel at U.S. ports of entry click here.
Sign up to receive the topmost interesting stories from in and around our community once a day to your inbox.
