US Officials Finalize Passenger Travel Restrictions in Response to COVID-19

Effective at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, March 20, 2020 the United States limited non-essential travel across its northern and southern borders through April 20, 2020.

The decision comes following negotiations with Canada and Mexico in response to the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).  The restrictions target passengers, not cargo.  Administration officials continue to emphasize that the borders remain open for transiting goods, listing “individuals in lawful cross-border trade” (like truck drivers moving cargo) as essential.  While US Customs and Border Protection does not anticipate delays at the border due to this change in policy, some of the agency’s workforce have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are in quarantine, suggesting staffing issues could become a concern in the future.

Please contact Frank Samolis, Ludmilla Kasulke and Stacy Swanson with any questions. 

We are uniquely positioned – on substance and strategic locations around the world – to provide practical advice and support services. For additional information, guidelines, advisories and resources, please visit our Coronavirus COVID-19 resource hub.