US, Canada, and Mexico Extend Border Restrictions
Border restrictions between the US, Canada, and Mexico are being extended until February 21 to curb the spread of COVID-19, as officials have announced.
Current restrictions on non-essential travel among the three countries, originally set to expire on January 21, will now remain in effect for another month. The US has confirmed it has reached agreements with its neighbors. The Department of Homeland Security’s Acting Secretary stated on social media: “We are working closely with Mexico and Canada to keep essential trade and travel open while also protecting our citizens from the virus.”
Meanwhile, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the closure on social media, asserting, “We’ll continue to do whatever is necessary to keep Canadians safe.”
The three nations first closed their land borders to non-essential travel in mid-March, and consequently, restrictions have been extended every month since. The travel ban maintains rules consistent with previous extensions, allowing cross-border travel for essential service workers, trade, and returning citizens.
Although land borders are currently closed, Mexico continues to allow US and Canadian tourists to enter by air without any quarantine requirements. Conversely, Canada enforces a stricter policy, permitting only air travelers who meet specific criteria and who must undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
This story was first published on March 18 and updated on January 13, 2020.
