El Paso, Texas (border report) The Department of Homeland Security announced on Twitter on Sunday that the United States, Mexico and Canada have extended non-essential restrictions on ground travel through July 21.
The restrictions apply to those traveling on foot, in coastal vehicles, ferries, trains or ports of entry, as well as immigrants and non-immigrants traveling for purposes not deemed necessary by US authorities. The restrictions do not apply to commercial air or sea travel. US citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) can return to the United States during this period.
‘To reduce the spread of #Covid-19The United States is expanding restrictions on non-essential travel on our land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico through July 21, while ensuring access to essential travel and business,” the Department of Homeland Security posted Sunday night.
The Department of Homeland Security also said the White House was in talks with Mexico and Canada in hopes of lifting restrictions in the near future.
“DHS has also seen positive developments in recent weeks, and is engaging with other US agencies in White House expert working groups with Canada and Mexico to identify conditions under which restrictions can be safely and sustainably eased,” the tweet said.
It has been more than a year since citizens of these countries have been discouraged from crossing borders for leisure and tourism, visiting friends or family, or buying food or petrol available in their countries.
The restrictions went into effect in March 2020 to reduce the spread of COVID-19 across borders.
