Travel Rules At The Canada-US Land Border Have Changed & Here's What You Need To Cross

If you're planning a trip across the border in the near future, things might look a little different once again. That's because restrictions at the Canada-U.S. border have been updated and almost everyone must now be vaccinated against COVID-19 to cross.

On Saturday, January 22, the United States implemented a new requirement for all non-Americans entering the country via its land borders or ferry ports.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now requires all non-U.S. individuals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which includes Canadians crossing the border for both essential and non-essential purposes.

This means it's just got a little more complicated to drive into the States, as you'll now be required to prove your vaccination status before entry (or prove a valid exemption, if you have one).

There are "limited exceptions" to this requirement.

According to the DHS, those crossing the land border from Canada should be prepared to verbally confirm their vaccination status, as well as provide provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 with a CDC-approved vaccine.

Those making the cross-country journey should also be ready to present a valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document. For many people, this would be a valid passport or Trusted Traveler Program card.

That's not all, travellers. The DHS says that everybody entering the United States via land should be "prepared to present any other relevant documents requested by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer during a border inspection."

All of this applies regardless of your reason for travel.

COVID-19 testing is not required to enter the country via a land port or ferry terminal, although it is necessary if you're flying in via plane.

The DHS also says that as travel between the two countries ramps up, wait times at the border are likely to increase.

"Travellers should plan for longer than normal wait times and longer lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are reminded to exercise patience," a DHS notice reads.

Drivers and passengers are urged to prepare their documents ahead of time, so that it is ready for border officials upon arrival.

As of January 15, fewer people qualify for vaccination exemptions at Canada's borders, too. This means it's harder for unvaccinated foreign nationals to enter the country.

Anybody preparing to enter Canada must be ready to disclose their vaccination status and take a pre-entry COVID-19 test.

As of January 23, Canada's global travel advisory remains in effect.