Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

Non-Essential Travel: What It Means and How It Applies to Canada and Mexico

Christy Rodriguez's image
Christy Rodriguez
Christy Rodriguez's image

Christy Rodriguez

Travel & Finance Content Contributor

89 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 36U.S. States Visited: 31

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a cer...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
Keri Stooksbury's image

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

49 Published Articles 3439 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now editor-in-chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries all around the world are temporarily halting all non-essential travel across their borders. But what is considered non-essential travel, and how will these new restrictions impact us here in the U.S.?

What Is Non-Essential Travel?

At a high level, non-essential travel refers to travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. Unfortunately, this distinction is not always straightforward as official definitions vary around the globe.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (or DHS) released a list of some reasons for which travel is considered non-essential across the land borders between the U.S. and Mexico/Canada:

  • Travel and tourism
  • Dining across borders
  • Picking up packages or non-essential goods
  • Gambling
  • To attend cultural events

What Is Essential Travel?

To start, these new restrictions will not prevent U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents from returning to the U.S. (and vice versa). These restrictions are put in place to limit unnecessary contact between individuals.

CBP San Diego Operations - San Ysidro u.s. mexico border crossing cars
Vehicle traffic to the U.S. from Mexico at the San Ysidro border port of entry. Image Credit: Donna Burton via U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The DHS has released a list of allowable reasons for travel:

  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the U.S.
  • Cross-border trade, including trucking to provide food, fuel, and life-saving medicines
  • To perform essential work, including work in the military, in the farming or agriculture industry, temporary foreign workers, and anyone with valid work responsibilities
  • To attend school
  • For other urgent or essential reasons, including receiving medical treatment

Click here to see the full list.

What Restrictions Are In Place?

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas stated that on November 8, 2021, the U.S. “will begin allowing travelers from Mexico and Canada who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to enter the United States for non-essential purposes, including to visit friends and family or for tourism, via land and ferry border crossings.”

This is great news for vaccinated travelers, however, this means that unvaccinated visitors will still be barred from entering the U.S. from Canada or Mexico at land borders.

Hot Tip: Note that air and sea travel is not affected by these restrictions. This only applies to land crossings.

Land Border Restrictions

To slow the spread of the coronavirus, restrictions are being put in place for countries that share a land border with the U.S.

Bottom Line: Note that these restrictions don’t apply to flights between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico, but air travelers are subject to additional restrictions, such as a mandatory hotel quarantine in Canada (this has changed for fully vaccinated Americans as of August 9, 2021), and negative COVID-19 tests for international travel.

What Screenings Are Taking Place?

First, the Department of Homeland Security notes that they “continue to enforce U.S. immigration laws at all U.S. borders, including between ports of entry.”

The U.S., Canadian, and Mexican border agencies have reported increasing their questions about reasons for travel, any international travel history, and current health to curb the spread of the coronavirus. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (or CBP) employees are also using protective equipment, such as masks, in appropriate circumstances.

Bottom Line: If you do not have a proper reason, evidence of completed vaccination, or travel documentation, you will be turned away at the border.

If you are found to be attempting to bypass immigration and are apprehended at the border, you will either be quickly removed or repatriated to your country of origin. This is a change since individuals will no longer be kept in detention facilities. DHS notes that the processing of these individuals in “these conditions present a serious infection control challenge and are a risk to public health.”

Canada

As of February 22, 2021, Canada has started requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test for land crossings, a second test upon arrival, and a 14-day quarantine. Toward the end of the 14 days, travelers will have to take a third and final test. If you are fully vaccinated, you can avoid these testing requirements and quarantine requirements.

When Will Travel Restrictions Go Into Effect?

Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.

When Will the U.S.-Canada Border Reopen?

While vaccinated Americans are allowed to travel to Canada starting on August 9, 2021, the restrictions for unvaccinated Canadian travelers to the U.S. will continue to be in place. As of November 8, 2021,  vaccinated travelers are allowed unrestricted access to the U.S. at land border crossings.

CBP Highgate, Vt., Port of Entry NEXUS lane
CBP Highgate, Vermont Port of Entry NEXUS lane. Image Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Exceptions

With the extended border closures, Canada has announced that it will be strengthening the public health presence at the border and enhancing quarantine monitoring and contact tracing. Ultimately, it notes that these enhanced processes will provide for the entry of:

  • Certain extended family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents, including those in an exclusive dating relationship of at least 1 year
  • Foreign nationals with a life-threatening illness, critical injury, or death
  • International students (starting on October 20, 2020)
  • Vaccinated Americans (starting on August 8, 2021)

Each potential traveler will need to apply for and be issued an authorization before they can travel to Canada and must still abide by quarantine recommendations. Access Canada’s Coronavirus page for all the details on how to apply.

Mexico

On March 20, 2020, the U.S. and Mexico issued a joint statement to restrict non-essential travel between the countries. The note that this agreement includes “particular measures both to protect bilateral trade and our countries’ economies and ensure the health of our nations’ citizens.”

When Will Travel Restrictions Go Into Effect?

Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.

When Will the U.S.-Mexico Border Reopen?

Borders to Mexico were closed to non-essential travel through November 8, 2021. Vaccinated travelers are now allowed unrestricted access to the U.S. at land border crossings.

Final Thoughts

These restrictions were put in place to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 by limiting unnecessary travel. As you can see, if you have a valid reason for crossing between countries or you are fully vaccinated, you will still be allowed to do so. These new restrictions between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will be in place until further notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is non-essential travel?

In short, non-essential travel means travel for reasons like recreation, tourism, or travel. See our full list of DHS-designated reasons above.

What is essential travel?

Specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DHS has released a list of allowable reasons for travel:

  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the U.S.
  • Cross-border trade, including trucking to provide food, fuel, and life-saving medicines
  • To perform essential work, including work in the military, in the farming or agriculture industry, temporary foreign workers, and anyone with valid work responsibilities
  • To attend school
  • For other urgent or essential reasons, including receiving medical treatment

Click here to see the full list.

Can U.S. citizens and residents travel back to the U.S.?

Yes, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can return to the U.S.

When will Canada's land border open to vaccinated Americans?

Vaccinated Americans are allowed to travel to Canada as of August 9, 2021. Visit Canada’s COVID-19 website for details on testing requirements.

Christy Rodriguez's image

About Christy Rodriguez

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status