WASHINGTON, Jan 21 (KUNA) -- The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Thursday that beginning on January 22nd, it will require "non-US individuals" seeking to enter the US via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the borders with Mexico and Canada "to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise nationwide." The DHS said in a statement that these new restrictions "will apply to non-US individuals who are traveling for both essential and non-essential reasons" and will not apply to US citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or US nationals.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said starting on Saturday, the DHS "will require that non-US individuals entering the United States via land ports of entry or ferry terminals along our Northern and Southern borders be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and be prepared to show related proof of vaccination." He added that these updated travel requirements reflect the Administration's "commitment to protecting public health while safely facilitating the cross-border trade and travel that is critical to our economy." The DHS noted that "COVID-19 testing is not required for entry via a land port of entry or ferry terminal." (end) si.gta