Vaccination Proof: What's Required At Us Borders?

do they ask for proof of vaccination at us border

As of April 21, 2022, non-US travellers entering the US via land ports or ferry terminals at the US-Mexico and US-Canada borders are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request. This requirement applies to all foreigners entering the country, including those travelling for work, school, or business, and those travelling for essential or non-essential reasons. US citizens, legal permanent residents of the US, and individuals under the age of 18 are exempt from this mandate. While vaccination is a requirement to enter the US, travellers may not always be asked to show proof at the border.

Characteristics Values
Who has to provide proof of vaccination? Non-US citizens, non-US individuals, and foreigners.
Who is exempt from providing proof of vaccination? U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents of the U.S., U.S. nationals, those under 17 or 18 years old.
When did this requirement come into effect? January 22, 2022
What type of proof is required? CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination proof, government-issued vaccine certificate.
Where is proof of vaccination checked? Land borders, land ports of entry, ferry terminals, border crossings.
What happens if you don't provide proof of vaccination? Non-compliance could result in people being turned back.

cyvaccine

U.S. citizens are exempt from providing proof of vaccination at the border

As of January 22, 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires non-US citizens travelling across land borders to provide proof of full vaccination for Covid-19. This applies to both essential and non-essential travel. However, U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents returning to the U.S. are exempt from this requirement and do not need to provide proof of vaccination when crossing the border.

The new restrictions were implemented in alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to protecting public health and safely facilitating cross-border trade and travel. While these measures primarily target land travel, they are also consistent with the requirements for incoming international air travel.

It is important to note that while U.S. citizens are exempt from providing proof of vaccination at the border, they may still be asked about their vaccination status by border officials. Additionally, individuals under the age of 17 are also exempt from the vaccination requirement.

U.S. citizens should still be prepared to present valid passports or other acceptable identification documents upon their return to the country. While vaccination status may not be checked consistently at the border, it is always advisable to stay informed about the latest travel requirements and guidelines to ensure a smooth entry process.

cyvaccine

Non-essential travel restrictions were lifted for fully vaccinated foreigners in November 2021

On November 8, 2021, the White House lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions for fully vaccinated foreign nationals, ending the curbs that barred much of the world from the United States. These restrictions were first imposed on air travellers from China in January 2020 by then-President Donald Trump and were later extended to dozens of other countries. The curbs on non-essential travellers at land borders with Mexico and Canada had been in place since March 2020.

The lifting of restrictions at US land borders and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico allowed fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter the country for non-essential activities such as tourism and personal visits. This policy aligned with the White House's new international air travel vaccine policy, which came into effect on the same day.

From January 22, 2022, US authorities began requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination from all foreigners entering the country, including those engaged in essential travel such as work or medical appointments. Visa holders can verbally declare their vaccination status to the officer at the port of entry but must have proof of vaccination ready if requested.

It is important to note that US citizens and legal permanent residents returning to the US are not required to provide proof of vaccination when crossing the border. Additionally, the vaccination requirements do not apply to individuals under the age of 17.

cyvaccine

Foreigners entering the U.S. by air must also provide proof of vaccination

As of January 22, 2022, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires non-US citizens travelling across land borders to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination. This applies to all foreigners entering the US by land, including those who come for school, work, or business. Those who are under 17, US citizens, and legal permanent residents of the US are exempt from this requirement.

Foreigners entering the US by air must also provide proof of vaccination. This requirement is in alignment with the public health measures that govern land travel. Non-US citizens travelling to the US via land ports of entry or ferry terminals, for both essential and non-essential reasons, must verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status and present proof of a CDC-approved vaccination upon request. To be considered fully vaccinated, 14 days must have passed since the final dose of the vaccine.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended COVID-19-related land border entry requirements, which include providing proof of vaccination. While vaccination is mandatory for entry into the US for adults over 18, travellers may not always be asked to show proof at the border. However, it is essential to carry the required documentation when travelling to the US to avoid any issues at the border.

It is important to note that the requirements for proof of vaccination may change, and travellers are advised to stay updated with the latest guidelines provided by the relevant authorities. The CDC website provides information on acceptable forms of "proof of vaccination" and approved vaccines. Additionally, travellers can refer to the DHS fact sheet for updated travel requirements and restrictions. By adhering to these requirements, foreigners can ensure a smoother entry process when visiting the United States by air or land.

cyvaccine

Non-U.S. individuals must verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status

As of January 22, 2022, non-US citizens travelling to the US by land or ferry terminals must verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. This applies to both essential and non-essential travel. US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and US nationals are exempt from this requirement.

Non-US individuals must be prepared to provide proof of their vaccination status to border officials upon request. This means that, while verbal attestation is required, travellers may also need to show documentation. Accepted forms of proof of vaccination are outlined on the CDC website.

To be considered fully vaccinated, 14 days must have passed since the traveller's final vaccine dose. This requirement applies to adults over the age of 18 and does not include children.

It is important to note that not all travellers are guaranteed to be asked for proof of vaccination at the border. However, failure to provide proof when requested may result in travellers being turned away. Therefore, non-US citizens should be prepared to verbally attest to their vaccination status and provide documentation if necessary.

Vaccines: COVID-19 Cases Rise or Fall?

You may want to see also

cyvaccine

The vaccination requirement does not apply to those under 17 years old

As of April 21, 2022, non-US travellers entering the US by land or air are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request. This requirement applies to all foreigners entering the country, including those travelling for school, work, or business. However, the vaccination requirement does not apply to those under 17 years old.

US citizens and legal permanent residents of the US are not required to provide proof of vaccination when crossing into the US. This includes individuals under 17 years old who are US citizens or legal permanent residents. For example, a family returning to the US by land was asked to provide proof of vaccination but were ultimately allowed to cross without it.

The vaccination requirement for foreign travellers aims to protect public health while facilitating cross-border trade and travel. While it is not mandatory for border officials to check every individual's vaccination status, they may request proof of vaccination at their discretion. Therefore, it is advisable for travellers to have their vaccination documentation readily available when crossing the US border.

It is important to note that the requirements for entering the US may change, and travellers should stay updated with the latest guidelines. Additionally, individual states within the US may have their own specific requirements or recommendations regarding vaccination verification. It is recommended to check with the relevant state authorities for the most up-to-date information before planning travel across the US border.

In conclusion, while the vaccination requirement for entry into the US does not apply to those under 17 years old, it is still important for travellers in this age group to be aware of the potential need to provide proof of vaccination and to have the necessary documentation readily available if requested by border officials. Staying informed about any changes or updates to the entry requirements is also crucial for a smooth cross-border experience.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, since January 22, 2022, non-US citizens traveling to the US by land or air are required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. This does not apply to US citizens, lawful permanent residents, or US nationals.

US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and US nationals are exempt from providing proof of vaccination when entering the US. The requirement also does not apply to those under the age of 18.

Non-compliance with the vaccination requirement may result in travelers being turned back at the border. It is important to carry your proof of vaccination to avoid any issues when entering the US.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment