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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the temporary travel restrictions across the U.S-Canada border and the U.S.-Mexico border for an additional 30 days, through June 22, 2020.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DHS is limiting travel to “essential” activities including:

  • U.S. Citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the U.S.;
  • Individuals traveling for medical, emergency, or public health purposes;
  • Individuals traveling to attend educational institutions;
  • Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade (“e.g., truck drivers supporting the movement of cargo” across borders);
  • Military-related travel; individuals engaged in official government or diplomatic travel; and members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their immediate families returning to the U.S.

The Notice also lists as “essential” “individuals traveling to work in the United States (e.g., individuals working in the farming or agriculture industry who must travel between the U.S. and Mexico [and Canada] in furtherance of such work.)”

“Non-essential” travel includes tourism (“e.g., sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events”).

It should also be noted that this restriction applies only to travel across the borders at Points of Entry or by ferry, but does not apply to air, freight rail, or sea travel (except by ferry).

DHS also states that they may amend these restrictions at any time. SW Law Group will continue to monitor this, and issue updates accordingly.