Jul 21, 2021 - Politics & Policy

U.S. extends travel restrictions at Canada, Mexico borders until Aug. 21

Yacob Reyes

The Ambassador Bridge spans the Detroit River to connect Windsor, Ontario — Photo: Tara Walton for The Washington Post via Getty Images

The U.S. will extend its restrictions on non-essential travel at the borders with Canada and Mexico until at least Aug. 21, the U.S. Homeland Security Department said on Wednesday.

Why it matters: The announcement of the 30-day extension comes after Canada said Monday that it would begin allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents to enter the country starting Aug. 9.

The U.S. initially imposed restrictions on non-essential travel with the two countries at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.

What they're saying: “To decrease the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant, the United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel at our land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico through August 21," a DHS spokesperson told Axios.

"[The] DHS is in constant contact with Canadian and Mexican counterparts to identify the conditions under which restrictions may be eased safely and sustainably."

Go deeper: Canada will open its border to fully vaccinated Americans Aug. 9

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U.S. extends travel restrictions at Canada, Mexico borders until Aug. 21

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