US-Canada-Mexico Border Travel Restrictions

[Updated July 22, 2020]

Restrictions prohibiting land and rail travel for 'non-essential' purposes (e.g., travel for tourism or other personal reasons) from Canada to the US and Mexico to the US have been extended until 11:59pm EDT on August 20, 2020. Students coming to start or resume studies should be eligible to return to the US. Air travel continues to be exempt from these restrictions.

[Updated March 23, 2020]

Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the US has implemented restrictions allowing only 'essential travel' to the US from both Canada and Mexico. These restrictions went into effect at 11:59pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on March 20, 2020. At present, the restrictions are expected to remain in place until 11:59pm Eastern on April 20, 2020.

These restrictions will be published in the Federal Register on March 24, 2020 and will apply to travel through land ports of entry and ferry terminals, including travel by passenger rail. At this time, the restrictions are not expected to apply to air travel, freight rail, or sea travel. Please note that changes can be announced depending on how conditions evolve.

Travel for tourism / vacation or to attend cultural events will be considered 'non-essential' travel and will likely be restricted. Travel for employment and/or to attend educational institutions is considered essential travel. Please read the Federal Register notices for both countries (links above) for additional details.

Because these restrictions are new and only only now coming into effect, persons returning to the US from Canada or Mexico are strongly encouraged to use air travel or other permitted means and to clearly document the educational or employment reasons for entering the US. If you have any questions please contact the International Center at internationalcenter@tufts.edu.

[Updated March 18, 2020]

The International Center is aware of media reports dated March 18, 2020 reporting that the US and Canada will, by mutual agreement, close the US/Canada border temporarily to non-essential traffic. We have received no confirmed details yet that have regarding how this will affect persons seeking to enter or re-enter the US from Canada on F-1, J-1, TN, or H-1B visas.

We are monitoring this development and will post information as soon as it becomes available. Until then, we advise refraining from travel to Canada if possible until further US and Canadian government guidance is received.