Just weeks ago, officials in the United States and Mexico extended travel restrictions at the border until Dec. 21. Now, they’ve been extended again — this time until late January.
Restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border first implemented in March to help slow the spread of the coronavirus are now set to remain in place until at least January 21.
In order to continue to prevent the spread of COVID, the US, Mexico, & Canada will extend the restrictions on non-essential travel through Jan. 21. We are working closely with Mexico & Canada to keep essential trade & travel open while also protecting our citizens from the virus.
— Acting Secretary Chad Wolf (@DHS_Wolf) December 11, 2020
Las restricciones se mantendrán en los mismos términos en que se han desarrollado desde su implementación el 21 de marzo.
— Relaciones Exteriores (@SRE_mx) December 11, 2020
Ambos países coordinarán las medidas sanitarias en la región fronteriza que estarán vigentes hasta las 23:59 hrs. del 21 de enero de 2021.
They’re meant to prevent travel the U.S. State Department has defined as nonessential, like tourism, shopping and recreational activities. Travel for medical purposes, work or school is considered essential.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are not prevented from returning home under the restrictions. And because there is minimal southbound enforcement, many people in the U.S. have continued crossing the border with little difficulty, while most of their neighbors in Mexico have been unable to cross for nearly 10 months.
