US Extends Border Closure for Mexicans and Canadians Until August 21

US borders in Canada and Mexico will remain closed until August 21. That is despite Canada’s move to let vaccinated Americans enter by August 21. According to White House press secretary Jen Psaki, the US won’t just reciprocate the actions of other countries to open their borders. She said that their move is “guided by our public health and medical experts”. She added that “I wouldn’t look at it through a reciprocal intention”.

The Department of Homeland Security with its counterparts in Mexico and Canada closed their respective borders in March 2020. Since then, the US land border is only open to essential travelers. DHS extended the restriction every month.

This border closure is applicable on both land and ferry travel. Travelers from both Canada and Mexico can still fly into the US. They will just need to show a negative COVID19 test.

Border Closure Extension as Delta Variant Cases Increase in the US

Despite the successful vaccination rollout in the US, it is now experiencing a surge in the number of COVID19 cases. The delta variant is now the dominant strain in the US accounting for 83% of US COVID19 cases. According to the DHS, the US extended its border closure to control the number of COVID19 cases.

DHS spokesperson Angelo Fernandez said that the “DHS is in constant contact with Canadian and Mexican counterparts to identify the conditions under which restrictions may be eased safely and sustainably”.

Travel Groups Urge Biden to open the US-Canada Border. Tori Amerson Barnes who works as executive vice preside of public affairs for the US Travel Association trade group wants the US to come up with a date and plan to reopen the border. Barnes said that “Canada made the right call in releasing a timeline for vaccinated Americans to cross the land border and visit, and it is past time that the US reciprocates”.