As a result of the global rapid rate of spread of the latest COVID-19 variant, Omicron, new federal vaccination requirements for inbound U.S. travel by land and ferry were announced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on January 20, 2022. Crucially, this announcement and a pair of Federal Register notices (87 FR 3429, 87 FR 3425) published on January 24, 2022, together entail a policy change that negates an exemption from providing proof of full vaccination that was previously granted to nonimmigrant student visa holders traveling through the Canadian and Mexican borders as an "essential travel" exception.
How do these announcements affect F-1 and J-1 students (and their dependents)?
Previously, nonimmigrant student visa holders, including F-1 and J-1 students and their dependents, traveling by land or ferry to the U.S. were not required to provide proof of vaccination under the Essential Travel designation. These announcements do away with this exception. Instead, all land and ferry travelers who are not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident, must now furnish proof of full vaccination to be admitted into the U.S. by meeting the following requirements:
- 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, defined as anyone under 18 years old, unable to receive a vaccine in their home country are excepted from the vaccination requirement.
Is a negative COVID-19 test required for admission by land or ferry?
No, COVID-19 testing is not currently required for land or ferry entry. We expect that should this change in the future, an update will be prominently posted on 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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