Canada lifted its ban on entry to fully vaccinated travelers on August 9, and late last week the Biden administration announced that the United States will follow suit starting November 8. Starting on that date, travelers will be eligible to enter the country two weeks after receiving two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Those who received two shots of AstraZeneca or two mixed shots will also be considered fully vaccinated. Those wishing to enter the country will need to show proof of vaccination-and a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours before entering the U.S.
There are additional, less publicized changes as well. Commercial drivers and some students have been able to cross land borders, but starting in January 2022, they will be required to show proof of vaccination as well. Unvaccinated Americans flying from overseas will have to show proof of a negative COVID test taken within 24 hours before entering the U.S., and they’ll have to show proof of purchase of a COVID test to take once they have entered the country.
From an immigration perspective, one important upside to this is that the move will free up embassies to schedule more visa interviews. Many embassies have been swamped by people seeking exceptions to the travel restrictions, and with the restrictions lifted, they'll be able to move on to other matters.
Photo by Adam Gethin on Unsplash.
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