The United States, Canada and Mexico have agreed to extend the current COVID-19 border restrictions for another 30 days, the Department of Homeland Security announced Monday.

Key points:

  • The travel restrictions, which took effect March 20 and were scheduled to end April 20 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, will remain in place for an additional 30 days. The terms remain the same.
  • Only “essential travel” is permitted at all land ports of entry along the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico border.
  • The list of individuals permitted to engage in “essential travel” includes U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) returning to the U.S., people traveling to work in the U.S. (e.g., agricultural workers), engaging in lawful cross-border trade (e.g., truck drivers transporting goods), or traveling to attend school, receive medical treatment, for public health purposes, or a limited number of other reasons.
  • Air and sea travel are excluded from the restrictions.

BAL Analysis: Individuals traveling across the U.S.-Canadian border for essential work are exempt from the restrictions, but travelers should be prepared for delays and increased scrutiny, as well as possible changes in how U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers interpret “essential travel.”

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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