On April 22, 2020, the U.S. and Canadian governments agreed to extend cross-border travel restrictions to non-essential travel for an additional 30 days, beginning April 21, 2020.
“Essential travel” allowable at U.S. land ports of entry, includes the following:
- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the United States;
- Individuals traveling for medical purposes (e.g., to receive medical treatment in the United States);
- Individuals traveling to attend educational institutions;
- Individuals traveling to work in the United States (e.g., individuals working in the farming or agriculture industry who must travel between the United States and Canada in furtherance of such work);
- Individuals traveling for emergency response and public health purposes (e.g., government officials or emergency responders entering the United States to support Federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government efforts to respond to COVID-19 or other emergencies);
- Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade (e.g., truck drivers supporting the movement of cargo between the United States and Canada);
- Individuals engaged in official government travel or diplomatic travel;
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the spouses and children of members of the U.S. Armed Forces, returning to the United States; and
- Individuals engaged in military-related travel or operations.
Individuals traveling for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, shopping, gambling, etc. DO NOT fall within the definition of “essential travel.”
It is also important to note that when individuals are returning to Canada, the 14-day quarantine rule is still in place. Individuals entering Canada must have proof of a credible 14-day quarantine plan.
If you have questions on how COVID-19 may impact your immigration matter, be sure to contact Berardi Immigration Law to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today!
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