We have dedicated extensive resources to monitoring immigration regulatory developments and policy changes as they evolve worldwide.
Sign up for alerts to get the latest immigration updates and analyses right in your Inbox.
At a glance
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will continue to implement the Trump Administration’s ban on “non-essential” travel across U.S. land borders and ferry travel with Mexico and Canada through December 21, according to a set of notifications to be published in the November 23 Federal Register. The restrictions were due to expire on November 21.
The initial ban on non-essential travel across the northern and southern borders began on March 21 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak; it was originally scheduled to expire on April 20, and has been extended several times. The policy may again be reviewed for possible extension in December depending on the status of the COVID emergency. The restrictions do not affect air travel.
CBP defines “non-essential” travel as travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature, which includes sightseeing, gambling and attending cultural events.
“Essential” travel that may continue across the borders under the new restrictions includes, but is not limited to:
The Administration has also asserted in communications that trade and business travel will be subject to additional screening. In practice, there has been some inconsistent treatment of business travelers since the border restrictions began.
Under existing guidance, U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident and foreign national business travel should continue across the Canadian and Mexican land borders for the duration of the border restrictions. However, because CBP officers have wide discretion to inspect entrants, foreign nationals should expect detailed questioning about their employment or business activities in the United States.
Fragomen is closely monitoring the Canada and Mexico border restrictions and will issue follow-up alerts as developments occur. For the latest information related to the coronavirus’ impact on immigration-related matters worldwide, please visit Fragomen’s dedicated COVID-19 website.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.