As a result of the global rapid rate of spread of the latest COVID-19 variant, Omicron, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on January 20, 2022 amended vaccination requirements for inbound land and ferry travel for all "non-U.S. individuals," which the department defines as anyone who is not a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or U.S. national.
Proof of full vaccination requirement to apply to nonimmigrant student visa-holding land/ferry travelers starting Jan. 22, 2022
Whereas proof of vaccination had not previously been required of nonimmigrant student visa holders traveling by land or ferry through the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexican borders under the "essential travel" designation, the Jan. 20 announcement mandates that all non-U.S. individual land and ferry travelers to the U.S. must present proof of full vaccination in order to be admitted starting January 22, 2022. Therefore, if you are an F or J visa holder traveling to the U.S. by land or ferry, starting Jan. 22, 2022, you must meet the following requirements to be admitted:
- Provide verbal attestation of COVID-19 vaccination status
- Provide proof of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccine administered in accordance with CDC's guidelines
- Present valid travel documents, such as an unexpired passport and visa, if applicable
NB: Minors under the age of 18 who are unable to receive a vaccine in their home country are exempt from the vaccination requirement.
Is a negative COVID-19 test required for admission by land or ferry?
Unlike travel by air, COVID-19 testing is still not presently required for land or ferry travel regardless of citizenship. We expect that should this change in the future, an announcement will be posted to DHS's Fact Sheet: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S. at Land Ports of Entry and Ferry Terminals and Frequently Asked Questions pages.
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