Change in the Vaccination Requirements for Entry into the US by Land and Ferry Terminals

Change in the Vaccination Requirements for Entry into the US by Land and Ferry Terminals

 

As of January 22, 2022, all non-US citizens seeking to enter the US by land ports of entry (POEs) and ferry terminals will need to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and to provide corresponding proof of vaccination. The vaccination requirements for non-US citizens will apply whether the travel is for essential or non-essential reasons. The new rules are a departure from the previous policy, which allowed unvaccinated non-US citizens to enter by POE or ferry terminals provided their travel was for essential reasons.

 

As of January 22, 2022, all non-US citizens entering the US through a POE or ferry terminal should be ready to:

 

  1. Verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status,
  2. Provide proof of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination (see www.cdc.gov for vaccination guidelines),
  3. Present a valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document, such as valid passport, Trusted Traveler Program Card or Enhanced Tribal Card, y
  4. Present any other relevant documents requested by the CBP officer

 

Note:

  • COVID-19 testing is not required for entry via a POE or ferry terminal
  • The vaccination requirements described above do not apply to US citizens, US nationals and US Legal Permanent Residents

As always, please contact one of the immigration attorneys at Gee & Zhang, LLP in Houston for questions relating to your entry into the US by land or ferry terminal.