Skip to content

Back to Our Blog

11.24.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Biden to Mandate Vaccine for Nonresident Essential Border Crossers

Blog Categories

Josh Veronica

November 24, 2021

The Biden administration plans to mandate that by January 22, essential non-American travelers entering the U.S. by land must be vaccinated, the Associated Press reports 

The U.S. already requires vaccination for non-essential travelers – people coming to America for vacation, shopping, or other personal affairs. However, throughout the pandemic, essential travelers have not had a vaccine requirement, provided that they follow other pandemic protocols.  

According to the U.S. government, the following purposes constitute an “essential” border crossing: 

  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the U.S. 
  • Work  
  • Cross-border trade  
  • Medical treatment 
  • Education 
  • Emergency/public health response 
  • Government/diplomacy/military 

 The rule is only expected to apply to non-U.S.-nationals, although unvaccinated American travelers may still face heightened testing requirements when crossing the border.  

Organizations whose operations or supply chains rely on cross-border travel should pay particular attention to this announcement and prepare accordingly.  

An administration official told AP that this move was coming, but the White House has not yet released a formal announcement or policy. The BNP will share formal details once they are released.  

As the U.S. grapples with supply chain disruptions, the BNP is particularly concerned about a policy that would reduce the availability of commercial transportation workers and further disrupt the flow of cross-border commerce.   

The BNP continues to advocate for a reciprocal border policy that allows for a freer flow of traffic between the U.S. and Canada.  

 

Related Posts

5/7 Manufacturing Council Meeting: Inside COVID-19 – Operational Protocols

By jveronica@thepartnership.org | May 7, 2020

The Partnership hosted a special Manufacturing Council meeting on safe operating practices in the wake of COVID-19.

Safe facility and operational management are critical focal points for both the remainder of the New York State on PAUSE order and the wider reopening of the regional economy to come.

5/6 Webisode: WNY Impact Survey Results

By jveronica@thepartnership.org | May 6, 2020

The Partnership hosted a webisode to review updates to the Paycheck Protection Program and explain the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act.

4/10 Webisode: SBA Loan Facts – EIDL and the Paycheck Protection Program

By jveronica@thepartnership.org | April 10, 2020

Two federal loan programs are now open and available to employers to help stabilize businesses reeling from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Webisode: COVID-19 Federal Stimulus Details & The Business Impact

By jveronica@thepartnership.org | March 30, 2020

President Trump and Congress have passed a massive $2 trillion stimulus package in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that is devastating large segments of the United States economy.

The Partnership organized a webisode with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to breakdown the stimulus package and help employers better understand what’s included to help your business, your employees, and the Buffalo Niagara economy recover in the long run.